NewKerala.com

KL Rahul's Century Powers Karnataka Past Mumbai Into Ranji Semis

KL Rahul's superb 24th first-class century, a 130-run knock, guided Karnataka to a thrilling four-wicket victory over 42-time champions Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal. Chasing a challenging target of 325, Rahul forged a crucial 147-run partnership with young batter Smaran Ravichandran, who remained unbeaten on 83. Earlier, Mumbai had collapsed for 120 on Day 1 but staged a strong comeback in their second innings to set a competitive total. With this win, Karnataka advances to the semifinals where they will face first-time semifinalists Uttarakhand.

Key Points: KL Rahul Century Guides Karnataka to Ranji Trophy Semifinals

  • KL Rahul scores match-winning 130
  • 147-run partnership with Smaran Ravichandran
  • Karnataka chase 325 vs Mumbai
  • Team books semifinal spot vs Uttarakhand
2 min read

Ranji Trophy: KL Rahul's ton guides Karnataka to semis against Mumbai

KL Rahul's superb 130 leads Karnataka to a 4-wicket win over Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal. Read match highlights and key performances.

"Rahul's magnificent knock came to an end... he scored 130 runs off 182 balls - Match Report"

Mumbai, Feb 9

India's star batter KL Rahul struck a superb 24th first-class century to guide Karnataka to a memorable four-wicket victory over 42-time champions Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 quarterfinal at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy, BKC, on Monday.

Chasing a mammoth target of 325 runs in the fourth innings against Mumbai's experienced bowling attack, Karnataka were off to a poor start as opener Mayank Agarwal was dismissed in the second over by captain Shardul Thakur.

Devdutt Padikkal, coming in at number three, continued his good form and forged an 84-run partnership with KL Rahul, who looked in great touch from the start.

Padikkal was eventually sent back to the pavilion in the 20th over by Tanush Kotiyan, but his partner Rahul continued to rotate the strike. He was supported by Karun Nair, who scored 23 runs before getting out in the 31st over.

After losing Karun, Rahul and young batter Smaran Ravichandran put pressure on the former champions with a match-winning partnership of 147 runs.

Rahul completed his century in 147 balls as Karnataka were cruising at 265 for three when the lunch break was taken. Rahul's magnificent knock came to an end in the next session as he was dismissed by Tushar Deshpande. Rahul scored 130 runs off 182 balls and hit fourteen fours and one six during his innings.

Smaran, who has scored a thousand runs in first-class cricket, showed great character and stayed till the end as Vidyadhar Patil hit the winning runs for Karnataka in the 74th over of the innings. Smaran remained not out on 83 as the team won with four wickets in hand.

Earlier, Mumbai were bowled out for just 120 on Day 1, with Prasidh Krishna and Vidweth Kaverappa leading the charge for Karnataka.

Eight-time champions Karnataka then took a 53-run lead as they scored 173 runs with the help of Mayank Agarwal's 92-run knock. However, Mumbai batters made a strong comeback in the second innings, scoring 377 runs with the help of Akash Anand's 70 and Musheer Khan's 49, which helped the team set a big target of 325 runs for the visitors.

With this win, Karnataka have booked their place in the semifinals, where they will clash with Uttarakhand, who will be playing their first semifinal in Ranji Trophy history.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Mumbai, it's tough to see the home team lose, but you have to applaud a fantastic chase. 325 in the fourth innings is never easy. Rahul's innings was a masterclass. Good luck to Karnataka in the semis!
P
Priyanka N
The real story is the collapse of Mumbai on Day 1 for 120! That first innings deficit of 53 runs ultimately made the difference. Their batting in domestic cricket has been inconsistent for a while now. Need to go back to the drawing board.
A
Aman W
Smaran Ravichandran - remember the name! To play such a mature innings under pressure in a knockout game is brilliant. This is what the Ranji Trophy is all about, discovering future stars. Well played, young man!
M
Michael C
A respectful criticism: While it's great to see stars like Rahul playing, the article focuses almost entirely on him. What about the bowlers who set up the win by bowling Mumbai out for 120? Prasidh and Kaverappa deserve more credit in the narrative.
K
Kriti O
Feeling so proud as a Kannadiga! 🎉 Beating the 42-time champions in their own backyard is no small feat. The team showed great character after the poor start in the chase. Now go and bring the trophy home! #KarnatakaCricket

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50