Karnatake made a strong reply to Hyderabad's 577 on day three of the South Zone Ranji match between the two sides, being played at the Gymkhana Ground, Secunderabad. When stumps were drawn on Friday, the visitors were 267 for three with star batsman Vijay Bhardwaj batting on a patient 63. Keeping him company was wicket-keeper Thilak Naidu who was on 44.

The pair have already put on 80 and Karnataka will be pinnning their hopes on them when play resumes on the final day on Saturday. Naidu, rated by many to be the finest wicket-keeper batsman in the country, did his reputation no harm while finding the boundary on seven occasions in his 89-ball knock.

With just a day's play left a draw is inevitable. Karnataka probably can only hope to share the honours with the home side.

© CricInfo