The Ranji Trophy semifinals delivered drama at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, where Karnataka’s batting firepower overwhelmed Uttarakhand in a draw, punching their ticket to the final after 11 years. The first-innings dominance was the decisive factor in this gripping encounter.
Karnataka’s first outing was a run-fest: 736 tallied, powered by Devdutt Padikkal’s 232, KL Rahul’s elegant 141, and Smaran Ravichandran’s 135. Uttarakhand clawed back with Aditya Rawat’s 4/?? and Mayank Mishra’s 3/??.
Uttarakhand mustered 233 in reply, led by Lakshya Rajesh (55) and Rawat’s 45*. Patil and Vyshak’s three-wicket hauls, plus Gopal’s brace, sealed their fate.
Declaring at 323 in the second innings – Ravichandran 127, Rahul 86* – Karnataka set 827. Uttarakhand’s 260/6 on day five confirmed the draw and Karnataka’s advance. They’ll face Jammu & Kashmir, who toppled Bengal for a historic final debut starting February 24.