The visitors have taken a vital first innings lead of 128 runs, thanks largely to an responsible innings by Kotak and his useful partnerships with the Sodhis. After adding 80 runs for the sixth wicket with Reetinder Singh (39), Kotak put on 108 for the unfinished seventh wicket with Harvinder Singh, who was at the crease with 50. Overnight rains and bad light curtailed play.

Despite boasting of world class bowlers in Javagal Srinath, Anil Kumble and Dodda Ganesh in their ranks, Karnataka ended the day on a disappointing note as Rest of India batsmen dominated the proceedings.

SCOREBOARD

Karnataka (1st innings) 170.

Rest of India (1st innings): VVS Laxman b Srinath 1, Nikhil Haldipur b Yalvigi 40, Shiv Sundar Das c Somasundar b Ganesh 23, Sitanshu Kotak batting 116,Hemang Badani c Somasundar b Srinath 13, Nayan Mongia c Somasundar b Ganesh 1, Reetinder Sodhi c Katti b Yalvigi 39, Harvinder Sodhi batting 50. Extras (6b, 7lb, 2nb): 15. Total (for six wickets off 116.5 overs) 298.

Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-67, 3-69, 4-107, 5-110, 6-190.

Bowling: Ganesh 30-10-59-2, Kumble 22.5-4-81-0, Yalvigi 25-4-43-2, Katti 7-2-19-0, Srinath 28-9-68-2, Sriram 4-0-15-0.