Vinay, More rescue Karnataka with dogged batting

Former captain Vinay Kumar hit an unbeaten 83 and shared a crucial 97-run stand for the last wicket Ronit More (10) to help Karnataka take a 39-run first innings lead against Rajasthan in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal, here Wednesday.

The rearguard action steered Karnataka to 263, forcing Rajasthan to concede lead for first time this season. The hosts were struggling at 166 for nine at one stage but Vinay and More rescued the team from the troubled waters.

Vinay smashed 10 fours and two sixes in his 144 balls knock while More (10) played out 59 balls ti support the former.

Rajasthan had scored 224 on the opening day with the help of skpper Mahipal Lomrov (50) and Rajesh Bishnoi (79).

When stumps were drawn on second day, Rajasthan were trailing by 28 runs, with Amit Kumar Gautam and Chetan Bist at the crease as the team reached 11 for no loss in three overs.

Leggie Rahul Chahar was the standout bowler for Rajasthan as he finished with figures of five for 93 runs.

Left-arm fast medium .