Karnataka Reaches Ranji Trophy Final After 11 Years To Play Jammu & Kashmir From February 24

Karnataka will play in the Ranji Trophy final for the first time in 11 years. Their big score in the semi-final was 736 runs.
By Newsroom | Sports, Cricket |

Karnataka has qualified for the Ranji Trophy final for the first time in 11 years, setting up a championship clash with Jammu & Kashmir. The team achieved this milestone after a dominant performance against Uttarakhand in the semi-final.

Ranji Trophy: Karnataka end 11-year wait, set up title clash with Jammu & Kashmir after crushing Uttarakhand - 1

Road to the Final

The semi-final match between Karnataka and Uttarakhand took place at the Ekana Stadium. Karnataka's progression was secured through a first-innings lead.

Ranji Trophy: Karnataka end 11-year wait, set up title clash with Jammu & Kashmir after crushing Uttarakhand - 2

  • Karnataka's First Innings: The team posted a formidable total of 736 runs.

  • Key contributors included captain Devdutt Padikkal with a double century (232), KL Rahul (141), and Smaran Ravichandran (135). Kruthik Krishna also scored 52.

  • Uttarakhand's First Innings: Karnataka's bowlers restricted Uttarakhand to 233 runs in 88.5 overs, yielding a first-innings lead of 503 runs.

  • Karnataka's Second Innings: Karnataka added 323 runs to their lead, setting a substantial target. Scores in this innings included Smaran Ravichandran (127) and KL Rahul (86 not out), and Kruthik Krishna (52).

  • Uttarakhand's Second Innings: Uttarakhand reached 260/6 in 62 overs, with Abhay Negi (57 not out) and Aditya Rawat (53 not out) batting through to the end of the match.

The match ended in a draw, but Karnataka's significant first-innings lead ensured their victory and advancement to the final.

Ranji Trophy: Karnataka end 11-year wait, set up title clash with Jammu & Kashmir after crushing Uttarakhand - 3

Opponent: Jammu & Kashmir's Historic Achievement

Jammu & Kashmir also secured their spot in the Ranji Trophy final, marking a historic first for the team. Their semi-final opponent was Bengal.

Ranji Trophy: Karnataka end 11-year wait, set up title clash with Jammu & Kashmir after crushing Uttarakhand - 4

  • Reports indicate that Jammu & Kashmir progressed to the final based on a first-innings lead after their semi-final match against Bengal.

  • Details from the other semi-final suggest that while Shami and Mukesh made early impacts on Jammu & Kashmir, a century stand between Abdul Samad and Paras Dogra helped stabilize their innings.

  • In the opposing semi-final, Sudip Kumar Gharami scored an unbeaten century for Bengal.

The Final: Venue and Anticipation

The Ranji Trophy final is slated to be played between Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir.

  • While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet formally announced the venue, Hubli is reportedly the leading contender.

  • Sources suggest the final will be held at the KSCA Stadium in Rajnagar, Hubballi, from February 24.

  • This decision aligns with the Karnataka State Cricket Association's (KSCA) aim to promote cricket across the state, including in areas beyond major urban centers. The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is undergoing security upgrades.

A point of concern for Karnataka heading into the final is the fitness of captain Devdutt Padikkal.

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Statistical Overview of the Semi-Final

TeamInningsScoreNotes
Karnataka1st736Centuries by Padikkal (232), Rahul (141), Smaran (135).
Uttarakhand1st233Bowled out, trailing by 503 runs.
Karnataka2nd323Smaran (127), Rahul (86*), Kruthik (52).
Uttarakhand2nd260/6 (62 ov)Rawat (53), Negi (57). Match drawn.

Note: Brief scores may vary slightly across different reports due to differing levels of detail provided.

Expert Commentary

"It is understood that KSCA Rajnagar Stadium in Hubbali is leading the race to host the Ranji Trophy final. A JKCA official told IANS that it is likely the final will be held in Hubbali, though a formal confirmation on this hasn't come yet." - CricketnMore

"While taking over as the KSCA chief, Prasad had expressed his commitment to upgrading cricketing infrastructure across Karnataka, focusing on bringing top quality facilities to places beyond the urban centres." - India Today

Conclusion

Karnataka's comprehensive victory over Uttarakhand marks a significant achievement, ending an 11-year drought in reaching the Ranji Trophy final. Their dominant batting and bowling performance in the semi-final showcased their strength. The final promises to be an engaging contest against Jammu & Kashmir, who have reached this stage for the first time in their history. The reported venue of Hubli for the final adds another layer of interest, aligning with broader development goals for cricket in the region. The fitness of Karnataka's captain, Devdutt Padikkal, remains a factor to monitor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did Karnataka reach the Ranji Trophy final?
Karnataka reached the final by beating Uttarakhand in the semi-final. They got a big lead in the first innings and then added more runs. The match ended in a draw, but Karnataka won because of their lead.
Q: Who will Karnataka play against in the Ranji Trophy final?
Karnataka will play against Jammu & Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy final. This is a big moment for Jammu & Kashmir as they have never reached the final before.
Q: When and where will the Ranji Trophy final be played?
The Ranji Trophy final is planned to start on February 24. It is expected to be held at the KSCA Stadium in Rajnagar, Hubballi, though it is not yet officially confirmed by the BCCI.
Q: What was Karnataka's score in the semi-final?
Karnataka scored 736 runs in their first innings against Uttarakhand. Captain Devdutt Padikkal scored 232 runs, KL Rahul scored 141, and Smaran Ravichandran scored 135.
Q: Is there any worry for Karnataka before the final?
Yes, the fitness of Karnataka's captain, Devdutt Padikkal, is a concern for the team heading into the final match.