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    Fans react as KL Rahul and Smaran Ravichandran chase down 325 as Karnataka knock Mumbai out to reach Ranji Trophy semi-finals

    News DeskBy No Comments6 Mins Read
    Fans react as KL Rahul and Smaran Ravichandran chase down 325 as Karnataka knock Mumbai out to reach Ranji Trophy semi-finals

    In a classic clash of domestic titans, Karnataka scripted a magnificent comeback to defeat Mumbai by four wickets in the fourth quarter-final of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26. Playing at the BKC Ground in Mumbai on February 9, 2026, the visitors successfully chased down a daunting target of 325 on the final day.

    The victory was anchored by a masterful century from KL Rahul, whose international experience proved invaluable under pressure. He was brilliantly supported by the young sensation Smaran Ravichandran, whose fearless approach dismantled Mumbai’s bowling attack. This thrilling win marks a significant milestone in Karnataka’s quest for their ninth Ranji title, knocking out the defending champions in their own backyard.

    First innings: Prasidh Krishna’s fire skittles Mumbai for 120

    The match began with Mumbai captain Shardul Thakur winning the toss and opting to bat first, a decision that quickly turned into a nightmare. Karnataka’s pace spearhead Prasidh Krishna (3/21) and Vidwath Kaverappa (3/38) exploited the early morning moisture at the BKC ground with devastating effect, reducing Mumbai to a precarious 39/3 within the first 14 overs.

    Star openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Musheer Khan were dismissed cheaply, leaving veteran Akhil Herwadkar to fight a lonely battle with a gritty 60. Despite his resistance, the Mumbai middle order collapsed as leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal polished off the tail with figures of 3/4, bundling the hosts out for a poultry 120 in just 48.1 overs. Karnataka’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding ensured they dominated the opening sessions, setting a perfect foundation for their first-innings reply and leaving the home fans in a state of shock as the heavyweights crumbled under the relentless pressure of a knockout game.

    Second innings: Mayank Agarwal’s gritty 92 hands Karnataka a slim lead

    Karnataka’s first-innings response was characterized by a patient yet determined approach, led by veteran Mayank Agarwal. Chasing Mumbai’s low total, Karnataka found themselves in a strong position early on, but Mumbai’s bowlers, led by Mohit Avasthi, fought back to ensure the lead didn’t balloon out of control. Mayank fell agonizingly short of a century, dismissed for 92 after anchoring the innings for over four hours.

    The middle order saw starts from Devdutt Padikkal and Rahul (28), but frequent wickets meant Karnataka were eventually bowled out for 173, securing a lead of 53 runs. While the lead was smaller than they would have hoped given Mumbai’s low score, it provided a psychological edge. Mumbai’s bowlers, particularly Mohit Avasthi and Tushar Deshpande with four wickets each, showed immense character to keep their team in the hunt, ensuring that the second half of the match would begin with both teams still very much in contention on a pitch that was starting to offer more assistance to the spinners.

    Third innings: Akash Anand helps Mumbai sets a massive 325-run target

    Trailing by 53, Mumbai produced a sensational batting performance in their second outing to flip the script of the quarter-final. Opener Musheer Khan played an innings of 49 to anchor the Mumbai response and erase the deficit within the first session. He found able support in Akash Anand (68) and a quickfire 48 from Tanush Kotian, which allowed Mumbai to dictate the tempo of the game.  Despite the best efforts of Karnataka’s spinners, Mumbai finished their second innings at a massive 377/10, setting Karnataka a formidable target of 325 to win in the final four sessions.

    Fourth innings: KL Rahul’s 24th FC ton and Smaran Ravichandran seal the thriller

    Chasing 325, Karnataka faced an early setback with the loss of Mayank Agarwal for just 3, but the chase was rescued by a legendary partnership. KL Rahul walked in with intent, playing a sublime innings of 130 to record his 24th First-Class century. He navigated the spin of Shams Mulani with surgical precision, using his feet and soft hands to rotate strike.

    The turning point arrived when he was joined by Smaran Ravichandran, who played a counter-attacking cameo that caught Mumbai off guard. Smaran’s aggression, highlighted by three boundaries in one over against Tushar Deshpande, forced Mumbai to defensive fields, allowing Rahul to anchor the chase from the other end.

    Together, they put on a 147-run stand that broke the spirit of the Mumbai attack. Even after Rahul’s dismissal late in the day, Smaran remained composed to guide Karnataka past the finish line with 4 wickets to spare. The victory was a testament to Karnataka’s depth and Rahul’s elite temperament, securing their place in the semi-finals.

    Here’s how fans reacted: 

    Also WATCH: Head Coach Gautam Gambhir hosts dinner for Team India ahead of Namibia clash at T20 World Cup 2026



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