RANJI TROPHY | Karnataka and Maharashtra share the honours on opening day

Seasoned opener Mayank Agarwal showcased endurance and self-discipline, whereas veteran off-spinner Jalaj Saxena exhibited his craft in a captivating duel that outlined the Ranji Trophy Group B conflict opening day between Karnataka and Maharashtra on the Maharashtra Cricket Affiliation Stadium on Saturday.

Agarwal’s gritty 80 (181 b, 7×4, 2×6) anchored Karnataka’s innings earlier than he fell to Saxena (3/80) late within the ultimate session. Regardless of slipping to 194 for 5, Abhinav Manohar and Shreyas Gopal steadied the guests, guiding them to 257 for 5 at stumps.

After successful the toss, Agarwal and Okay.V. Aneesh gave Karnataka a composed begin. Aneesh, the extra fluent of the 2, started by driving Rajneesh Gurbani by covers within the opening over.

Maharashtra’s Jalaj Saxena celebrates the wicket of Karnataka’s Okay.V. Aneesh on the primary day of their Ranji Trophy on the MCA Stadium in Pune on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
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EMMANUAL YOGINI

With Mukesh Choudhary struggling for rhythm, Maharashtra launched spin early — and Saxena struck instantly. His very first supply turned sharply into Aneesh, trapping him leg-before to interrupt the 66-run stand.

Saxena produced a gem in his third over that breached Okay.L. Shrijith’s defence and rattled his stumps. Minutes later, pacer Ramakrishna Ghosh delivered a peach to dismiss Karun Nair, beating his inside edge with a supply that seamed in to uproot off and center.

Maharashtra’s Ramakrishna Ghosh in motion on the primary day of Ranji Trophy match in opposition to Karnataka on the MCA Stadium in Pune on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
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EMMANUAL YOGINI

At 89 for 3, Karnataka wanted stability. Agarwal discovered it in tall left-hander R. Smaran, and collectively they resisted Maharashtra’s assault with dedication. As soon as the ball softened, Agarwal shifted gears, utilizing his ft in opposition to the spinners and lofting Saxena over cow nook to carry up his half-century.

On the cusp of tea, Smaran’s resolute keep ended when he chipped Vicky Ostwal to Ankeet Bawane at brief mid-wicket. After the interval, Saxena quickened his tempo to unsettle Agarwal — and the ploy labored. A faster one on center turned sharply, with wicketkeeper Saurabh Nawale finishing a neat stumping to finish Agarwal’s superb innings.

Karnataka’s Smaran R performs a shot on the primary day of the Ranji Trophy match in opposition to Maharashtra on the MCA Stadium in Pune on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
| Photograph Credit score:
EMMANUAL YOGINI

The day ended evenly poised, with Karnataka’s decrease middle-order holding agency in opposition to Maharashtra’s probing assault.

The scores: Karnataka — 1st innings: Okay.V. Aneesh lbw b Saxena 34, Mayank Agarwal st Nawale b Saxena 80, Okay.L. Shrijith b Saxena 10, Karun Nair b Ghosh 4, R. Smaran c Bawane b Ostwal 54, Abhinav Manohar (batting) 31, Shreyas Gopal (batting) 32; Extras (lb-12): 12; Complete (for 5 wkts. in 89 overs): 257.

Fall of wickets: 1-66, 2-82, 3-89, 4-188, 5-194.

Maharashtra bowling: Gurbani 14-2-38-0, Choudhary 8-1-44-0, Ostwal 24-8-50-1, Saxena 30-2-80-3, Ghosh 13-4-33-1.