Ranji Trophy: Karnataka favourites against Vidarbha

Kolkata, Dec 16 (CRICKETNMORE) - Eight-time champions Karnataka will be hot favourites against Vidarbha who are still not sure of the services of India speedster Umesh Yadav when the two sides clash in the semifinal of the Ranji Trophy at

At the heart of their good show has been Mayank Agarwal -- this season's highest run-scorer (1,142 runs) -- and R Samarth (643 runs).

Together, they are already the third most prolific opening combination after after Mumbai's Wasim Jaffer and Ajinkya Rahane, and Gujarat's Priyank Panchal and Samit Gohel, in a single Ranji season in the last 12 years.

In the bowling department, offspinning all-rounder K. Gowtham has been lethal taking 34 wickets in seven games while leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal has come good too towards the business end of the season.

Vinay Kumar's hat-trick against Mumbai should give the vereran pacer a lot of confidence going into the semifinal.

"We are a good bowling side. The wicket looks green. They will cut the grass before the game. Normally Kolkata wicket is helpful for the fast bowlers. I always enjoy bowling here," Vinay Kumar told reporters on the eve of the match.