Two classy knocks on debut (December 1999)

Mithun Beerala announced his arrival into first class cricket from the roof tops by top scoring in each innings for Karnataka against Andhra at Kakinada earlier this season. In a match that Karnataka eventually won by 46 runs after conceding the first innings lead, Beerala's twin half centuries were crucial in tilting the scales. Indeed Karnataka's hopes of qualifying for the Super League were on a knife's edge before this game and a loss to Andhra at this stage would have virtually shown them the door, so the importance of Beerala's two gems can be imagined. [More]

Karnataka thrive on Beerala's consistency upfront (February 2000)

In the Super League game against Rajasthan at Bangalore, Karnataka after being put in to bat lost Rowland Barrington to the third ball of the innings. Mithun Beerala and Rahul Dravid then came together in a century stand for the second wicket inside 25 overs. In a rapid 78 ball outing in the middle, Beerala lashed nine boundaries before his knock came to an end two runs short of a half century when his stumps were rattled by spinner DP Singh. [More]

Maiden century caps memorable season (March 2000)

Karnataka found itself in the Group of Death in the Ranji Super League and were in a rather precarious position before their last game against Delhi at home. An outright victory was desirable if they had to see off the challenge of Bengal for the second qualifying spot behind Mumbai. After his debut against Andhra, Mithun Beerala had gone into a spell of hibernation, with just one fifty ensuing from his next eight innings, so it was important for him to have a long outing in the middle to bolster his own confidence as well as give a firm reply to those who might have doubted his credentials. [More]

Beerala kickstarts Karnataka reply (April 2000)

The Ranji Trophy semi final dawned on April 11 and Karnataka, having received a bye into the semis by virtue of being holders, came up against the full might of Hyderabad. On home turf, Karnataka would normally have gone in as favourites but the withdrawal of Kumble, Dravid and Srinath had significantly altered the stakes. And after the visitors had piled up 711 in their first innings, Karnataka were right behind the eight ball. [More]