Did KL Rahul's century lead Karnataka to victory over Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy?
Synopsis
In a thrilling quarterfinal matchup, KL Rahul's stellar century guided Karnataka to a remarkable victory over Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26. This win not only showcased Rahul's exceptional talent but also secured Karnataka's place in the semifinals against Uttarakhand, making this an exciting chapter in cricket history. Don't miss the highlights of this incredible match!
Key Takeaways
KL Rahul achieved his 24th first-class century.
Karnataka chased down a target of 325 runs .
The team had a strong partnership of 147 runs between Rahul and Smaran.
Karnataka will face Uttarakhand in the semifinals.
Mumbai was bowled out for just 120 runs on Day 1.
Mumbai, Feb 9 (NationPress) India's cricket sensation KL Rahul showcased his remarkable talent by achieving his 24th first-class century, propelling Karnataka to a thrilling four-wicket win against the 42-time champions Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 quarterfinal held at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy, BKC, on Monday.
Facing a daunting target of 325 runs in the final innings against Mumbai's seasoned bowling lineup, Karnataka endured a shaky start as opener Mayank Agarwal fell to captain Shardul Thakur in the second over.
Devdutt Padikkal, positioned at number three, maintained his excellent form and formed an 84-run partnership with KL Rahul, who appeared in exceptional form from the outset.
Padikkal was eventually dismissed in the 20th over by Tanush Kotiyan, but Rahul continued to dominate the play, supported by Karun Nair, who contributed 23 runs before being dismissed in the 31st over.
Following Karun's departure, Rahul and young talent Smaran Ravichandran exerted pressure on the former champions with a crucial partnership of 147 runs.
Rahul reached his century in 147 balls, while Karnataka stood at 265 for three at lunch. Unfortunately, Rahul's remarkable innings concluded shortly after as he was caught by Tushar Deshpande. He amassed 130 runs off 182 balls, including fourteen fours and one six.
Smaran, who has achieved over a thousand runs in first-class cricket, displayed commendable resilience and remained unbeaten as Vidyadhar Patil secured the winning runs for Karnataka in the 74th over. Smaran finished not out on 83, leading the team to victory with four wickets to spare.
Earlier, Mumbai was bowled out for a mere 120 on Day 1, spearheaded by Prasidh Krishna and Vidweth Kaverappa, who led Karnataka's bowling attack.
The eight-time champions Karnataka then extended their lead by scoring 173 runs, thanks to Mayank Agarwal's 92-run innings. However, Mumbai made a strong comeback in their second innings, scoring 377 runs with contributions from Akash Anand (70) and Musheer Khan (49), setting a significant target of 325 runs for the visitors.
This victory secures Karnataka's spot in the semifinals, where they will face Uttarakhand, marking their inaugural semifinal appearance in Ranji Trophy history.
Point of View
The triumph of Karnataka over Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal is a testament to the resilience and skill of the players. KL Rahul's century not only highlights individual brilliance but also underscores the competitive spirit of domestic cricket in India. As Karnataka prepares to face Uttarakhand in the semifinals, cricket enthusiasts are eager to witness if they can continue their impressive run.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was KL Rahul's score in the match?
KL Rahul scored 130 runs off 182 balls in the quarterfinal against Mumbai.
Who did Karnataka face in the semifinals?
Karnataka will face Uttarakhand in the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy.
What was the target that Karnataka chased?
Karnataka chased a target of 325 runs in the fourth innings.
Which player supported KL Rahul during the innings?
Smaran Ravichandran played a crucial role, partnering with KL Rahul for a 147-run partnership.
Where was the match played?
The match took place at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy in BKC, Mumbai.
