Mohali, Jan 22 (IANS): Karnataka are set to reach the Ranji Trophy final after they extended their first innings lead against Punjab to 177 runs on a curtailed day four of the semi-final at the PCA Stadium here Tuesday.

Only 36.1 overs could be bowled on the penultimate day owing to bad light, reducing the already remote chances of a Punjab fight back. Karnataka were 447 for five at stumps with overnight centurion Karun Nair (151 not out) and Amit Verma (114 not out) holding fort, stretching their stand to 206.

The pair, who resumed the innings at 351 for five, looked at ease against the Punjab bowlers. Not a single wicket fell Tuesday.

Light will be an issue on the final day also and Punjab will need more than a miracle to stage a comeback.

The final will be played at Hyderabad from Jan 29-Feb 2.

Maharashtra beat Bengal in the other semi-final.

Brief scores:

At Mohali: Punjab 270 all out in first innings. Karnataka 447/5 in first innings (Karun Nair 151 batting, Amit Verma 114 batting; Harbhajan Singh 2/98).