KL Rahul hit a sublime century to lead Karnataka to a memorable four-match win over 42-time champions Mumbai and seal a spot in the Ranji Trophy semi-finals on Monday.
Chasing a challenging target of 325 runs in the quarter-finals at the Mumbai Cricket Association’s Kurla Complex in Bandra, Karnataka relied on Rahul’s stellar performance and composure. The Indian batsman hit his 24th first-class century and scored 130 runs off 182 deliveries, including 14 fours and a six, to set the stage for the chase.
Rahul found strong support in Ravichandran Smaran and the two combined for a crucial 147-run partnership for the fourth wicket on the penultimate day of the match. Their booth allowed Karnataka to dominate, and by lunchtime the trio had a visitor count of 265.
Rahul’s innings came to an end soon after the break when he was dismissed by Tushar Deshpande, briefly reviving Mumbai’s hopes. Deshpande and Tanush Kotian then took two more wickets to reduce Karnataka’s six-run deficit to 285, 40 runs short of victory.
However, Smaland remained calm under pressure. The 22-year-old smashed 83 off 123 balls, hitting 11 boundaries, to remain unbeaten and help Karnataka finish the match. Vidyadhar Patil finally went on a winning streak to secure a major win for the eight-time champion.
Rahul, 33, celebrated his century without any fuss, raising his bat briefly before regaining his focus. He reached the landmark by guiding Cottian from the offside to score four. Rahul’s presence has proved crucial since joining Karnataka late in the group stages, scoring a fifty in the first innings against Punjab earlier in the tournament.
Karnataka will face Uttarakhand in the semi-finals in Bengaluru next week.