India ‘B’, with a complete team performance, outclassed the good show by Karnataka middle-order batsmen, R. Samarth (107) and C.M. Gautam (76) in the final of the Deodhar Trophy cricket tournament in Dharamsala on Thursday.

After setting a target of 280 to win, India ‘B’, started with a responsible 84-run start by Ruturaj Gaikwad (58) and Abhimanyu Easwaran (69), drew on its batting reserves to win the contest by six wickets. Shreyas Iyer (61) and Manoj Tiwary (59) advanced on the flat deck to finish the job in style as Karnataka bowlers failed to defend the total. India ‘B’ was well-served earlier by left-arm bowler Khaleel Ahmed, who emerged as the bowler of the day.

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Gaikwad’s calculated risks, along with some sweetly-timed drives, and support from consistent opener Easwaran set up the chase for India ‘B’. Iyer and Tiwary, later on, made sure that there were no hiccups with a partnership of 83 runs.

Karnataka once again showcased its batting depth, thanks to Samarth and his 132-run fifth-wicket partnership with Gautam, after the top order collapse affected by Umesh Yadav and Ahmed, who was the pick of the bowlers.

Ahmed hurried the batsmen on a pitch which was on the slower side and better suited for spinners. Ahmed struck an excellent length and earned the respect of the Karnataka batsmen, especially Samarth, who maintained an outstanding form to notch his second century of the tournament.

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Former Test batsman Brijesh Patel, who has watched Samarth from his early days, described the 25-year-old as a, “technically sound batsman with lot of maturity for his age. He has a well-organised game with firm defence.” There was not a likeness of flaw in Samarth’s performance as he revelled with shots all over.

Gautam joined Samarth with Karnataka, having opted to bat, struggling at 64 for four. India’B’ sensed a good chance to wrap up the opposition out cheaply but Samarth and Gautam handled the challenge adroitly. Gautam fell to a leg-side nick that was snapped by wicketkeeper K.S. Bharat after a juggle. Samarth was the seventh batsman to fall when he holed out to mid-off after his knock that comprised of eights fours and a six. His innings, however, failed to inspire a Karnataka victory.

Brief scores:

Karnataka 279/8 in 50 overs (Samarth 107, Gautam 76, Ahmed 3-49) defeated by India ‘B’ 281/4 in 48.2 overs (Easwaran 69, Iyer 61, Tiwary 59, Shreyas 2-55) by six wickets.