Lucknow’s Ekana Cricket Stadium witnessed a dominant display from Karnataka on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy semifinal against Uttarakhand. Electing to bowl after winning the toss, Uttarakhand’s bowlers faced a formidable challenge as Karnataka openers KL Rahul and captain Devdutt Padikkal forged a massive partnership.
The innings got off to a shaky start with Mayank Agarwal departing for just 5 runs at 18. But Rahul and Padikkal steadied the ship with a sensational 278-run stand for the second wicket. Rahul, continuing his rich vein of form, smashed his second consecutive century. Facing 211 balls, he stroked 11 fours and 5 sixes en route to 141 before falling to Aditya Rawat, caught off his own bowling.
Padikkal remained unbeaten on a masterful 148 from 236 deliveries, featuring 16 boundaries and 2 sixes. Joined by Karun Nair, who contributed 37 off 65 balls with 5 fours and a six, they added 59 runs for the third wicket. At stumps, Karnataka stood tall at 355 for 2.
Uttarakhand’s Aditya Rawat claimed both wickets, but his efforts couldn’t dent Karnataka’s momentum. The eight-time champions, aiming for another title run, will look to pile on the runs on day two. Uttarakhand, in their maiden semifinal, face an uphill battle against Karnataka’s experienced batting lineup.