Mumbai: K.L. Rahul’s fine form in red ball cricket continued as he scored his 24th first class cricket in quarterfinals of Ranji Trophy at BKC Stadium in Mumbai this morning guiding Karnataka to outclass Mumbai by four wickets to enter the semi-finals of Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season.

Rahul, who joined Karnataka

team after finding no place in India T20 Men’s World Cup team, came back strongly in the second innings scoring 130 runs [182 balls, 14 (4s) 1 (6s)] after falling for just 28 runs in the first innings. Karnataka was ably helped by R. Smaran who stood at crease till the last to ensure the team crossed the finishing line scoring an unbeaten 83 runs.

Chasing a target of 325 runs in the second innings, Kanataka lost Mayank Agarwal early in the third over yesterday with just 12 runs on the scoreboard. However, Rahul, along with skipper Devdutt Padikkal, put on an 84-run partnership for the third wicket to steady the innings before Padikkal was dismissed in the 20th over with 96 on the scoreboard. Karun Nair also failed to score as he was dismissed for a paltry 13 runs.

However, Smaran who joined Rahul at the crease at the score of 119 runs, put on an all-important 147-run partnership for 5th wicket which helped Karnataka to stamp their authority on the match. Though Karnataka lost three quick wickets post lunch, Smaran along with Vidyadhar Patil (31 not out) put on a unbroken 40-run partnership for 7th wicket to guide Karnataka past the victory mark.  K.L. Rahul was declared the Man of the Match for his match-winning knock of 130 runs of 182 balls.