Maharashtra, Karnataka advance to semis

Four-time champions Karnataka held their nerves to edge out hosts Baroda by five runs while Maharashtra outplayed Punjab by 70 runs to enter the Vijay Hazare Trophy semi-finals here on Saturday.

- Press Trust of India

VADODARA:

Teenager Arshin Kulkarni struck a composed maiden List A century while wicketkeeper-batter Nitin Naik hit an explosive unbeaten fifty to power Maharashtra to a handsome win over Punjab at Kotambi Stadium.

Kulkarni made a 137-ball 107 in a century-plus partnership with Ankit Bawne (60; 85 balls) before Naik's belligerent knock of 52 not out (29b) at No.7 lifted them to 275/6.

Punjab never posed any threat to the total, losing wickets at regular intervals.

Arshdeep Singh was the top-scorer with his 39-ball 49 batting at No.9 but it was just a matter of time before the innings folded for 205 in 44.4 overs.