Ravikumar Samarth-led Karnataka registered a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over Namibia in the first of the five-match One-Day series. Vidwath Kaverappa turned out to be the pick of the bowlers for visitors with a four-fer while conceding just 16 runs.
Kaverappa, Bopanna trouble Namibia
After winning the toss, Samarth decided to bowl first against Gerhard Erasmus-led Namibia. Kaverappa struck early with the new ball. First, he got the wicket of Nikolaas Davin who scored just one run from 10 balls. Later in his new-ball spell, Michael van Lingen edged one to wicketkeeper Kruthik Krishna.
Only Jan Frylinck showed intent and scored 57 runs from 61 balls including seven fours. Right-arm off-spinner Rishi Bopanna took three wickets in the middle overs to prevent Namibia from steadying the ship.
Kaverappa bowled 8.1 overs, bowled one maiden and conceded 16 runs. He mopped up the tail as Namibia got all out for 171. Samarth, Aditya Goyal, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) pacer Vyshak took one wicket each as well.
Easy run chase
In reply, opener LR Chethan took an attacking approach and smashed four sixes and three fours in his run-a-ball 37. Frylinck turned out to be the only wicket-taker from Namibia. Samarth and Nikin Jose's unbeaten 111-run partnership for the second wicket helped Karnataka chase down 172 with 14.1 overs to spare. Samarth scored 78 runs 100 balls including eight fours whereas Jose's 77-ball 56 featured just two fours.
Kaverappa waiting for IPL debut
The 24-year-old was roped in by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for his base price of Rs 20 lakh in the mini-auction. While PBKS’ bowling struggled in death overs, Kaverappa warmed the benches.
Kaverappa’s domestic numbers
Kaverappa was on PBKS team's target after he scalped 30 wickets from eight games including a five-wicket haul in Ranji Trophy semi-final against Saurashtra. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he was the second-highest wicket-taker with 18 wickets from eight appearances at an average of 10.72 and an economy of 6.36 runs per over.
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