Karnataka set the tone for their Ranji Trophy semifinal clash against Uttarakhand with a commanding performance at Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. After Uttarakhand won the toss and bowled, Karnataka raced to 355/2, powered by brilliant centuries from KL Rahul and captain Devdutt Padikkal.
Mayank Agarwal’s early exit for 5 at 18/1 tested Karnataka’s resolve, but Rahul and Padikkal responded with a partnership worth 278 runs. Rahul’s elegant 141 off 211 deliveries—featuring 11 fours and 5 sixes—marked his second straight hundred since the quarterfinals. His dismissal came via a sharp catch by Aditya Rawat off his own bowling.
Padikkal anchored the innings superbly, remaining not out on 148 from 236 balls with 16 fours and 2 sixes. Karun Nair provided able support, scoring 37 off 65 balls (5×4, 1×6), as the duo built a 59-run stand. Uttarakhand toiled hard, with Rawat taking both scalps.
As the most successful Ranji side with 8 titles, Karnataka holds all the aces. Facing their first-ever semifinal, Uttarakhand must summon a special effort on day two to challenge the table-toppers’ bid for glory.