Rahul’s 24th First-Class Hundred Guides Karnataka into Ranji Semis

India batter KL Rahul struck his 24th hundred in first-class cricket to anchor Karnataka’s four-wicket win over 42-time champions Mumbai , securing a semifinal spot in the Ranji Trophy . His brilliant knock also earned him the Player of the Match award.

Rahul scored 130 off 182 balls , including 14 boundaries and a six , to help Karnataka chase a challenging target of 325 in their quarterfinal at the MCA Bandra Kurla Complex. The victory sets up a semifinal clash against Uttarakhand in Bengaluru next week.

Rahul found strong support from Ravichandran Smaran , with the pair sharing a 147-run partnership for the fourth wicket . Smaran remained not out on 83 off 123 balls , hitting 11 fours , guiding Karnataka past a tense phase when they were 285 for six, still 40 runs short of the target after Rahul’s dismissal by Tushar Deshpande.

Rahul, a key member of India’s Test and ODI squads , displayed relentless focus, continuing to bat purposefully even after reaching his century. He nudged Tanush Kotian through the off-side for four to reach the milestone.

Since joining Karnataka late in the group stage, Rahul has been a strong influence, following a first-innings fifty against Punjab and contributing 28 in the first innings , helping his team secure a 53-run lead that proved crucial in the second innings chase.

Karnataka, eight-time Ranji champions , now march into the semifinals, aiming to add another title to their record.