Karnataka’s hopes of entering the knockout stage of the Ranji Trophy vanished in the face of a stubborn Haryana here on Friday.

Needing a bonus point win (innings or 10-wicket victory) to enter the quarterfinal, Karnataka had to dominate the opposition in this last Elite Group ‘C’ match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. It was not to be, as Haryana – riding on a century from captain Ankit Kumar and a disciplined bowling show – held firm.

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After dismissing Karnataka for 304, Haryana moved to a comfortable 232 for five to secure a spot in the last-eight, alongside Kerala. Ankit (118, 154b, 19×4) recorded his fourth First-Class hundred, taking his side to calm waters. Ankit was exceptional on the off-side, stroking clean drives through the cover region.

The four-pronged Karnataka pace attack, looking to keep Haryana under 154 and enforce the follow-on, stood no chance against Ankit. Only Yashovardhan Parantap challenged the batters with his sharp pace, resulting in two wickets.

Resuming on 267 for five, Karnataka would have wanted to push hard to get to 450. Overnight batters K.L. Shrijith and Parantap had to go big, but only seven overs into the day, Parantap edged Ajit Chahal to slip. Next man Hardik Raj lasted two deliveries, throwing his bat at a wide loosener from fast bowler Anuj Thakral.

At 290 for seven, there was no way back. Shrijith, now batting with the tail and looking for quick runs, skied a pull to deep square-leg.

Karnataka’s total was never going to be enough, allowing Haryana to make it to the knockout round for the first time since the 2016-17 season.