Railways are virtually through to the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy championship. By close of play on the fourth day of the quarterfinal against Karnataka at the Karnail Singh stadium in New Delhi on Sunday, Railways had taken an overall lead of 599 runs with four second innings wickets intact.

After having gained a first innings lead of 214, Railways had put themselves in a commanding position by scoring 106 without loss at stumps on the third day. On the penultimate day, Railways batted the whole day to finish the day on 385 for six, shutting Karnataka out of the match.

Openers Amit Pagnis (68) and Sanjay Bangar (59) put on 131 runs off 35 overs. Dodda Ganesh dismissed both in quick succession.The middle cover did not contribute much and Railways were at one stage 219 for five. Then Yere Goud and Shreyas Khanolkar came together for a sixth wicket stand that realised 136 runs off 32.4 overs. Khanolkar, who scored 64 in the first innings, was the dominant partner hitting 90 off 120 balls, inclusive of 13 fours and a six. The in form Goud carried on till stumps, having made 78 from 230 balls with nine boundary hits. The last day's play will now only be of academic interest.

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