Karnataka sealed a memorable four-wicket victory over 42-time champions Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 quarter-final at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy, BKC, on Monday, thanks to KL Rahul’s superb 24th first-class century. Chasing a daunting target of 325 runs in the fourth innings, Karnataka showed remarkable composure.
Mumbai had been bowled out for 120 in their first innings, with Prasidh Krishna and Vidweth Kaverappa leading the charge. Karnataka responded with 173, riding on Mayank Agarwal’s impressive 92, to take a 53-run lead. However, Mumbai staged a strong comeback in their second innings, posting 377 runs through solid contributions from Akash Anand (70) and Musheer Khan (49), setting up a challenging chase.
Karnataka’s pursuit began on a shaky note as opener Mayank Agarwal was dismissed in just the second over by skipper Shardul Thakur. Devdutt Padikkal, batting at No. 3, continued his fine form and stitched an 84-run partnership with Rahul, who looked fluent from the outset. Padikkal fell in the 20th over to Tanush Kotiyan, but Rahul kept the scoreboard ticking and was briefly supported by Karun Nair, who made 23.
The turning point came when Rahul joined forces with young batter Smaran Ravichandran, with the duo adding a match-winning 147-run stand. Rahul brought up his century off 147 balls as Karnataka reached 265/3 at lunch. He was eventually dismissed by Tushar Deshpande for a brilliant 130 off 182 balls, featuring 14 fours and a six.
Smaran showed great maturity, anchoring the chase and remaining unbeaten on 83 as Vidyadhar Patil struck the winning runs in the 74th over. Karnataka completed the chase with four wickets in hand.
With this victory, Karnataka booked their place in the semifinals, where they will face Uttarakhand, who have reached their maiden Ranji Trophy semifinal.