Bangalore: A 122 run fourth wicket partnership between Sunil Raju and Kunal Kapoor helped Karnataka recover after early blows against Orissa on Day 1 of the under-22 C K Nayudu cricket match at the Chinnaswamy stadium on Wednesday.

Both Raju and Kapoor scored half centuries as the host ended the day on 224 for 5.

Earlier after electing to bat, Karnataka could not get off to a great as they have done in the previous matches. They lost two early wickets within the first 10 overs including their skipper Ganesh Satish and were further in trouble with another wicket gone at the score of 54.

From there on Raju and Kapoor steadied the Karnataka innings as they both successfully tackled the spin-dominated Orissa attack. Kapoor was the first amongst the two to reach his half century which included nine boundaries. Shortly after that Raju too completed his 50. However with just two over to go for the tea break, Kapoor lost his concentration and was caught at deep mid-wicket for 66.

Post tea, Raju continued to milk runs for Karnataka, but he was unlucky as he fell 17 runs short of a well deserved century. Raju's innings included 11 boundaries. Pavan Deshpande remained unbeaten on 25 along with night watchman Abrar Kazi.

Breif Scores:
Karnaraka U-22 1st Innings: 224 for 5 in 92 ovs. (Sunil Raju 83, Kunal Kapoor 66, Biplab Samantray 2/18) against Orissa U-22.