In a dramatic day of rain-interrupted quarterfinals, Karnataka and Saurashtra booked their spots in the Vijay Hazare Trophy semi-finals, with the weather gods playing a decisive role in both encounters on Sunday.
Karnataka Cruise Past Mumbai with VJD Method
At the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, Karnataka produced a commanding performance to end Mumbai’s campaign. After restricting Mumbai to 254/8—thanks largely to a fighting 86 from Shams Mulani—Karnataka’s chase was a masterclass in controlled aggression.
Openers Devdutt Padikkal (81) and Karun Nair (74) made a mockery of the target, forging an unbroken 167-run partnership that took the game away from Mumbai. The duo was cruising at 187/1 in 33 overs when bad light and rain intervened, bringing a premature end to the contest. At that stage, the VJD par score was 132, leaving Karnataka a massive 55 runs ahead, enough to seal victory by the DLS method.
For Mumbai, the loss marks a disappointing end after Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy stint, while Karnataka marches on, looking every bit the title contender.
Saurashtra Chase Down Mammoth Total Against UP
In the other quarterfinal, Saurashtra pulled off a stunning chase against Uttar Pradesh, reaching 204/3 in 35 overs while pursuing a daunting 311. The match was then halted by rain, with Saurashtra comfortably ahead of the VJD par score.
UP had posted an imposing 310/8, built on twin 88-run knocks from Abhishek Goswami and the explosive Sameer Rizvi. However, Saurashtra’s reply was fearless. Openers Harvik Desai (97*) and Prerak Mankad (58) laid a solid foundation with a 111-run stand. Even after losing a couple of quick wickets, Chirag Jani (30*) joined Desai to keep the chase on track, with the required rate well under control before the skies opened up.
The result is a heartbreak for Uttar Pradesh, who had the firepower of Rinku Singh in their lineup but couldn’t defend their total, and a triumph for Saurashtra’s batting depth and composure.
Semi-Final Line-Up Set
With these results, the semi-final lineup is now confirmed. Karnataka and Saurashtra will join the winners of Monday’s quarterfinals (Tamil Nadu vs Vidarbha and Haryana vs Rajasthan) in the final four. The day belonged to calculated chases and meteorological fortune, setting the stage for an exciting climax to India’s premier domestic 50-over tournament.
