Karnataka Advances to Vijay Hazare Trophy Semi-Finals with Rain-Affected Win Over Mumbai
Karnataka Secures Semi-Final Spot
Karnataka has successfully reached the semi-finals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, achieving a decisive 55-run victory against Mumbai through the VJD method during a rain-impacted quarter-final match. While chasing a target of 255 runs, Karnataka was in a strong position at 187/1 in 33 overs when rain and poor visibility halted play, ensuring their advancement to the final four.
Padikkal and Nair Shine in the Chase
Devdutt Padikkal narrowly missed a century, finishing with an unbeaten score of 81 runs off 95 balls, including eleven boundaries. He received solid backing from Karun Nair, who also remained not out with 74 runs from 80 balls, hitting 11 boundaries in his innings. Their partnership kept Karnataka in control throughout the chase, with only one wicket lost—captain Mayank Agarwal, who scored 12 runs before being dismissed by Mohit Avasthi.
Mumbai's Innings Restricted by Karnataka's Bowlers
Earlier in the match, Karnataka's bowlers executed a disciplined performance, limiting Mumbai to a total that seemed achievable. After winning the toss and opting to field at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Karnataka's pace attack, led by Vidyadhar Patil (3 wickets for 42 runs in 10 overs), dismantled Mumbai's top order, leaving them at 60/4 within 18 overs. Patil was particularly effective with the new ball, taking out both Ishan Mulchandani and the formidable Musheer Khan early on.
Mulani's Resilient Effort
Shams Mulani (86 runs) and captain Siddhesh Lad (38 runs) attempted to revive the Mumbai innings, forming a 76-run partnership. However, Karnataka's Abhilash Shetty (2 wickets for 59 runs in 10 overs) broke this stand, leaving Mumbai at 136/5 in 33.3 overs. Despite Mulani's efforts to anchor the innings, the rest of the batting lineup struggled to contribute significantly. Sairaj Patil (33 runs) partnered with Mulani for a 52-run stand, helping Mumbai finish at 254/8 in their allotted 50 overs.
Path to the Quarter-Final
Karnataka entered the quarter-final following a seven-wicket defeat to Madhya Pradesh in their last Group A match, while Mumbai faced a narrow one-run loss to Punjab in their previous Group C encounter.