Chennai: Centuries by Dinesh Karthik and Baba Aparajith helped Tamil Nadu declare their first innings at 538-4 on the second day against Karnataka in their group B Ranji Trophy match at the M.A Chidambaram Stadium.

Karnataka in reply were 26-0 at stumps on day 2 with Robin Uthappa (18) and K.B Pawan on five.

The day was all about Karthik, who came into bat after overnight batsman S Badrinath departed for 72. He played 188 balls and hit five boundaries and a six for his 154. Karthik joined forces with young Aparajith and both the batsmen were in an aggressive mood.

Karthik especially was severe of the both and was more fluent. He capitalised on the good platform laid by the top order batsmen and bludgeoned the Karnataka bowling.

In the meanwhile, Aparajith (112, 255b, 11x4, 1x6) picked up his maiden first class ton. After Aparajith was out, R Prasanna combined with Karthik and he too took the attack to opposition.

He registered his half century (74, 165b, 4x4, 1x6) and supported Karthik well from the other end. This was Tamil Nadu’s highest score against Karnataka.

By Indian Sports News Network