RANJI TROPHY | Smaran bails Karnataka out from a precarious spot

Karnataka's R. Smaran plays a shot during the first day of the Ranji Trophy match against Andhra at at the ACA International Stadium in Mulapadu. | Photo Credit: K.V.S. Giri Karnataka ended day one of its 2026-27 Ranji Trophy opener against Andhra on top after scoring 274 and reducing the host to 16 for two at the ACA Stadium in Mulapadu near here on Sunday. The hero for the visitors was R. Smaran, who marked his senior Karnataka captaincy debut with a splendid century (126, 218b, 11x4, 1x6), rescuing his side from a precarious 22 for four.