In one of the most gripping quarter-finals of the Ranji Trophy season, Karnataka pulled off a historic fourth-innings chase to defeat arch-rivals Mumbai by four wickets at the MCA-BKC Ground. The high-stakes knockout clash belonged to KL Rahul, whose sublime century under pressure guided Karnataka to their first successful 300-plus chase against Mumbai in a Ranji Trophy knockout. The win keeps Karnataka’s dream of lifting their first Ranji Trophy title since 2015 firmly alive.
Chasing a challenging target of 325 on a deteriorating Day 4 surface, Karnataka suffered an early blow when Mayank Agarwal departed for just three. The responsibility then fell on KL Rahul, who walked in with calm authority and immediately took control of the chase.
Rather than merely batting for time, the India opener dictated terms, punishing loose deliveries from Mumbai’s pace pair of Shardul Thakur and Tushar Deshpande while showing composure against the spinners. KL Rahul’s 24th first-class century came off just 147 balls and was a masterclass in fourth-innings batting. Mixing classical cover drives with sharp placement down the ground, he neutralised Mumbai’s spin threat through a clinical V-shaped scoring pattern.
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The right-hander found valuable support from captain Devdutt Padikkal, with the pair adding a crucial 84-run stand to steady nerves. KL Rahul then forged a match-winning partnership worth over 130 with Smaran Ravichandran, effectively taking the game away from the hosts and allowing Karnataka to cross the line with four wickets in hand.
💯 for KL Rahul 💪
He’s leading Karnataka’s charge in the chase with a superb innings so far 👌
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/MY9jsHbz9r#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/aUXNEYdTZW
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 9, 2026
The quarter-final itself was a tale of momentum swings. Mumbai were bowled out for 120 on Day 1 after Karnataka’s pace attack, led by Prasidh Krishna and Vidwath Kaverappa, made early inroads with disciplined lines and bounce. Karnataka built a handy first-innings lead, anchored by Mayank Agarwal’s gritty 92, before Mumbai mounted a spirited comeback in their second innings. Wicketkeeper-batter Akash Anand top-scored with 70, while late-order resistance from Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande lifted Mumbai to a competitive 377.
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KL Rahul’s return to domestic cricket has transformed Karnataka’s campaign. Fresh off a strong international run, including a century against New Zealand, he has brought experience and assurance to a youthful side. Alongside Prasidh Krishna’s impact with the ball, Karnataka now look a balanced, battle-ready unit.
With this win, Karnataka book their place in the Ranji Trophy semi-finals and send a statement to the remaining contenders. Mumbai’s title defence ends in disappointment, but the emergence of young talents offers hope. For Karnataka, the focus now shifts to ending an 11-year wait and reclaiming domestic supremacy.
