Karnataka cruise into Hazare semis as Padikkal, Nair dominate Mumbai

Defending champions Karnataka continued their dominance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, storming into the semifinals for the fourth consecutive season with a commanding 54-run victory over Mumbai via the VJD method on Monday. A composed unbeaten partnership between Devdutt Padikkal and Karun Nair ensured Karnataka stayed well ahead before rain brought an early end to the quarterfinal at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.

Chasing a modest target of 255, Karnataka were cruising at 187 for 1 in 33 overs when play was halted. The VJD par score at that stage was 132, leaving Karnataka comfortably 55 runs ahead and sealing their passage into the last four.

Padikkal, the tournament’s leading run-scorer, once again led from the front with an unbeaten 81 off 95 balls, laced with 11 fours. He was well supported by veteran batter Karun Nair, who returned to form with a fluent 74 not out from 80 balls, also striking 11 boundaries. Together, the pair added an unbroken 143-run stand for the second wicket, effectively taking the match away from Mumbai.

Earlier, Mumbai’s batting struggled after being put in by Karnataka skipper Mayank Agarwal. Already weakened by the absence of injured Sarfaraz Khan, Mumbai found themselves in trouble at 60 for 4 following a top-order collapse. Left-arm spinner Shams Mulani stood firm amid the chaos, anchoring the innings with a determined 86 off 91 balls.

Mulani shared a crucial 76-run stand with skipper Siddhesh Lad (38) to steady the innings. After Lad’s dismissal, Mumbai lost wickets in quick succession, but Mulani found late support from Sairaj Patil, who scored a brisk 33 not out off 25 balls. Their late surge helped Mumbai reach a respectable 254 for 8, with 59 runs coming in the final five overs. Mulani was eventually dismissed in the last over.

Karnataka’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Vidyadhar Patil returning figures of 3 for 42, while Abhilash Shetty and Vidwath Kaverappa claimed two wickets each.

In reply, Karnataka lost Agarwal early, but Mumbai’s hopes faded due to poor fielding. Padikkal was given two reprieves, and he made full use of them, punishing the bowlers with confident strokeplay. Nair, who had struggled in his previous outings, looked assured and reached his fifty off just 44 balls.

Mumbai tried seven bowlers, but apart from an early breakthrough, none could halt Karnataka’s march. Having topped Elite Group A with six wins from seven matches, Karnataka once again underlined why they remain one of the strongest sides in the competition.