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Rahul & Padikkal Centuries Power Karnataka to 355/2 on Day 1 of Ranji Semis

KL Rahul and captain Devdutt Padikkal forged a massive 296-run partnership to put Karnataka in a commanding position on the first day of their Ranji Trophy semi-final. Rahul scored 141, his second century in a row, while Padikkal remained unbeaten on 148. Their stand helped Karnataka recover from the early loss of Mayank Agarwal to reach 355 for 2 at stumps. Karun Nair provided late support, remaining not out on 37 as Uttarakhand's bowlers toiled with only two successes.

Key Points: KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal Centuries Dominate Ranji Trophy Semi-Final

  • KL Rahul's second consecutive century
  • Devdutt Padikkal's unbeaten 148
  • Historic 296-run partnership
  • Karnataka in command at 355/2
  • Uttarakhand's bowling struggles
2 min read

Ranji Trophy Semis: Rahul, Padikkal hit centuries as Karnataka reach 355/2 at stumps on Day 1

KL Rahul scores 141, Devdutt Padikkal remains 148* as Karnataka post 355/2 on Day 1 of the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Uttarakhand.

"Rahul hit his 25th first-class hundred off 153 balls, continuing his form from the quarter-final. - Match Report"

Lucknow, Feb 15

Wicket-keeper batter KL Rahul hit his second century in a row and forged a historic 296-run partnership with captain Devdutt Padikkal, who remained unbeaten at 148, as Karnataka reached 355/2 at stumps on Day 1 in the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Uttarakhand at the Ekana Stadium on Sunday.

Coming to bat after losing the toss, Karnataka were off to a bad start as their experienced batter Mayank Agarwal was dismissed for 18 runs in the ninth over.

But his opening partner, Rahul, stood tall with the support of Captain Padikkal as the duo stabilised the innings with their experience.

Both players rotated the strike very well and handled the spin threat by continuously moving the scoreboard. Karnataka were 133/1 at the end of the first session, with Rahul and Padikkal both completing their fifties.

The second session belonged fully to Karnataka, as they didn't lose any wickets, and both their batters completed centuries. Rahul hit his 25th first-class hundred off 153 balls in the 52nd over, continuing his form from the quarter-final where he notched a match-winning hundred against Mumbai.

While captain Padikkal reached the three-figure mark off just 144 balls in the 55th over. With this, Karnataka were 263/1 at the end of the second session.

Uttarakhand finally got their breakthrough in the third session when they dismissed Rahul in the 75th over. Rahul scored 141 runs and hammered 11 fours and five sixes.

After losing his partner, Padikkal formed a 59-run partnership with Karun Nair, who looked in great touch from the start. Karun remained unbeaten at 37 runs off 65 balls at the end of the day as Karnataka crossed the 350-run mark. Aditya Rawat was the lone wicket-taker for Uttarakhand.

Brief Score: Karnataka 355/2 at day 1 stumps (Devdutt Padikkal 148 not out, KL Rahul 141, Karun Nair 37*; Abhay Negi 2-73) against Uttarakhand.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Bangalore, this is the news I wanted to see! The partnership of 296 runs is just phenomenal. The team looks unstoppable. Hope they can convert this into a big win and lift the trophy.
R
Rohit P
While the batting was superb, I feel for the Uttarakhand bowlers. They toiled hard on a flat track with little reward. The Ranji Trophy needs more sporting wickets to test both batters and bowlers, not just run-feasts.
A
Ananya R
Devdutt Padikkal leading from the front! So proud to see a young captain perform under pressure. His unbeaten 148 is a statement. Karnataka's batting depth is scary for any opponent. 💪
M
Michael C
Watching the highlights now. The way they handled the spin was a clinic. This is why Ranji Trophy is so important - it prepares players for all conditions. Great day for Indian cricket.
K
Kavya N
355/2 on Day 1! That's just brutal dominance. Karun Nair looking good too. The semi-final might be over in 3 days at this rate. Uttarakhand needs a miracle now.

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