In a one-sided affair at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, Karnataka asserted supremacy over debutants Uttarakhand in the Ranji Trophy semifinals. Opting to field first, Uttarakhand’s decision backfired spectacularly as KL Rahul and skipper Devdutt Padikkal unleashed centuries to propel their team to 355/2 by stumps on day one.
Early trouble struck when Mayank Agarwal fell cheaply for 5, leaving Karnataka at 18/1. What followed was a masterclass in resilience and aggression. Rahul and Padikkal’s 278-run alliance for the second wicket dismantled Uttarakhand’s bowling attack. Rahul’s 141 came off 211 balls, laced with 11 fours and 5 sixes—his second ton in as many matches. Family support from Sunil Shetty and Ahan Shetty added a touch of glamour to his knock.
Padikkal’s unbeaten 148 off 236 balls showcased captaincy under lights, with 16 fours and 2 maximums. Karun Nair’s 37 off 65 balls, including 5 boundaries and a six, ensured the momentum carried forward with a 59-run stand. Aditya Rawat snared both wickets for Uttarakhand.
Karnataka, with eight Ranji titles in their cabinet, eye a massive first-innings lead. Uttarakhand’s historic semifinal appearance now hangs by a thread as they confront a batting juggernaut.