MATCH REPORT
Follow UsThere was a brief interlude at the Chinnaswamy Stadium when West were on a comeback trail. Despite conceding a 67-run lead in the first innings, Arzan Nagwaswalla and Chitan Gaja sent the duo of Ravikumar Samarth and Tilak Varma packing, reducing South to 8/2 in the second innings within five overs. It seemed like the game could have taken a dramatic turn from there, but things unfolded differently.
Once again, Hanuma Vihari, who is set to join Madhya Pradesh from this season onwards, played a crucial role for South Zone in what is likely his final game for them. His solid defensive skills, which have earned him a reputation as one of the finest domestic batters, ensured that South did not lose their grip on the match. He found support from Mayank Agarwal, who matched his stroke play and helped shift the momentum back in South's favor, adding 64 runs for the fourth wicket.
Despite Dharmendrasinh Jadeja and Atit Sheth adding to West's momentum with the ball, the Priyank Panchal-led side found themselves in a challenging position. South ended Day 3 at 181/7, holding a significant lead of 248 runs. Considering the current behavior of the pitch, West will be concerned about their chances.
Earlier on the day, West, which started the third day 84 runs behind South’s first innings total, with three wickets left, added 17 more runs to the total, with Vidhwath Kaverappa taking a seven-wicket haul. The Karnataka pacer was greeted with loud cheers with the spectators present at the Chinnaswamy Stadium as they recognised the resillence with which the local pacer has contributed in the last couple of games, bringing a new dawn for Karnataka cricket.
Although there are predictions of rain for the remaining days of the final, it is not expected to be severe enough to hinder an outright result. As of now, the advantage seems to be in South's favor.
