Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Karnataka qualifies for first final in 11 years after semifinal draw with Uttarakhand

Karnataka has qualified for its first Ranji Trophy final in 11 years after taking a first-innings lead against Uttarakhand in the semifinal at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Thursday, February 19.

R. Smaran (127) and K.L. Rahul (86 not out) piled on the runs in the second innings as Karnataka built a massive lead of 826 midway through the first session on the fifth day.

Though it stood no chance of chasing 827, Uttarakhand batted again. Shreyas Gopal took three wickets, while Avneesh Sudha struck a brisk half-century before the sides shook hands with the score at 184 for six.

Play appeared over on the cusp of tea, with presentation boards even being set up, but it was later confirmed that the match referee had not called the match off due to the possibility of an outright result. Play was eventually called off after nearly an hour of the final session, with Abhay Negi (57 not out) and Saurabh Rawat (53 not out) both raising half-centuries.

Earlier, captain Devdutt Padikkal (232) led Karnataka’s charge in the first innings, with Smaran (135) and Rahul (141) providing strong support as the side posted 736. Vidyadhar Patil and V. Vyshak then claimed three wickets each as Uttarakhand were bowled out for 233, giving Karnataka a first-innings lead of 503.

Karnataka’s only concern is Padikkal’s fitness, as he did not bat in the second innings after taking a blow to the hand while fielding.

Karnataka will now face Jammu & Kashmir in the final, scheduled from February 24 to 28.

Published on Feb 19, 2026