In a thrilling display of batting prowess, Karnataka's KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal dominated Uttarakhand in the Ranji Trophy semi-final, amassing a mammoth 278-run partnership for the second wicket. Rahul, in fine form, scored a brilliant 141, including 11 fours and five sixes, while Padikkal remained not out on 148 at stumps. This partnership set Karnataka on course for a formidable total of 355 for 2, showcasing their exceptional batting skills. The young duo targeted the left-arm spinner Mayank Mishra, pumping sixes down the ground, and their dominance continued as they started to find their feet in the second half of the morning session. Rahul, on 99, was a masterstroke, calmly flicking the offspinner for a single to fine leg, and Padikkal, reaching the landmark, stepped out and heaved former Karnataka left-arm spinner Jagadeesa Suchith for six over long-on. The partnership stood at 245 by tea, but Aditya Rawat finally broke through, having Rahul caught and bowled off a leading edge, ending Karnataka's second-highest partnership for the second wicket since 2005-06. However, Karun Nair arrived and started aggressively, scoring 29 runs off his first 31 balls, including four fours and a six, but slowed down as stumps approached. His partnership with Padikkal grew to 59, as Karnataka threatened to bat Uttarakhand out of the game.
In another Ranji Trophy semi-final, Sudip Kumar Gharami rescued Bengal, following up a career-best 299 with an unbeaten 136, taking Bengal from 89 for 3 to 249 for 5 by stumps against Jammu & Kashmir. Gharami added 85 with captain Abhimanyu Easwaran for the second wicket after Sunil Kumar struck early. Despite J&K's quicks testing Bengal with swing and seam movement, Gharami rode his luck, overturned a caught-behind decision, and survived a not-out lbw call, showcasing his resilience. He stylishly scored his first runs, lofting Sunil for six over cover, and then settled Bengal after a nervy start. However, Abid Mushtaq got one to turn into Anustup Majumdar, and had him lbw for a patient 14. The game was in the balance at 155 for 4, but Shahbaz Ahmed and Gharami took it away from J&K, with a 94-run partnership, ensuring Bengal's safety in the final over of the day.
