Karnataka on brink of Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final after 736-run domination over Uttarakhand

Karnataka tightened their grip on the Ranji Trophy semifinal, putting one foot firmly in the final after piling up a massive first-innings total of 736 and then reducing Uttarakhand to 149 for 5 at stumps on Day 3.

Karnataka's batting

After ending Day 2 in a commanding position at 689 for 6, Karnataka chose not to declare. Overnight batters Ravichandran Smaran and Vidyadhar Patil continued to bat in the morning, stretching the total further.

Smaran, who had resumed on 121 not out, added a few more runs before getting out for a well-made 135. Patil, who started the day on 35, went on to score a steady 54 off 114 balls. He did not take many risks, picking up singles and doubles, with just two boundaries and a six in his knock. Soon after their dismissals, Karnataka’s long innings finally came to an end at 736, after batting for 195 overs.

The foundation of this mammoth total had been laid earlier by KL Rahul’s fluent 141 and skipper Devdutt Padikkal’s superb 232, which completely tilted the match in Karnataka’s favour.

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Uttarakhand failed to get a good start

In reply, Uttarakhand struggled under the pressure of the huge total. By the end of the day, they were 149 for 5, still trailing by 587 runs. Teen pacer Aditya Rawat was the pick of their bowlers with four scalps, while spinner Mayank Mishra picked three wickets, but their efforts were not enough to stop Karnataka’s batting dominance.

With the ball, Karnataka wasted little time in making an impact. Vidyadhar Patil struck early to remove both openers, leaving Uttarakhand at 37 for 2. The situation soon worsened as they slipped to 81 for 4.

Lakshya Raichandani tried to shift the momentum

Lakshya Raichandani tried to shift the momentum of the game remaning unbeaten on 52 off 166 balls, and Jagadeesha Suchith, who scored 21. The pair added 43 runs for the fifth wicket and briefly steadied the innings. However, Prasidh Krishna broke the stand by clean-bowling Suchith, pushing Uttarakhand deeper into trouble at 124 for 5.

Lakshya and Saurabh Rawat (10 not out) managed to see off the remaining overs of the day, but Uttarakhand still face a huge challenge. With two full days left in the match, Karnataka are in complete control and look well placed to seal a comprehensive win.

Brief Scores:

Karnataka: 736 (KL Rahul 141, Devdutt Padikkal 232, Karun Nair 60, Ravichandran Smaran 145, Kruthik Krishna 60, Vidyadhar Patil 54; Aditya Rawat 4/154, Mayank Mishra 3/173).

Uttarakhand 149 for 5 in 69 overs (Lakshya Raichandani 52 not out; Vidyadhar Patil 2/26).