Karnataka scripted one of the most dramatic finishes of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season by pulling off a breathtaking chase against Punjab here at the I.S. Bindra Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali on Sunday (February 1).
Needing an outright win to stay alive in the competition, Karnataka chased down 250 runs in a maximum of 40 overs on the final day, reaching the target in just 27.5 overs to seal a five-wicket victory and a place in the quarterfinals.
At the heart of this high-octane effort was skipper Devdutt Padikkal, whose unbeaten 120 turned a tense red-ball chase into a white-ball spectacle.
Why Karnataka Needed a Fast Chase
Heading into the final day, Karnataka's qualification hopes depended on securing an outright win. A draw would not have been enough to progress
from Elite Group B. Punjab's second-innings total of 256 set Karnataka a target of 250 runs, but with limited time remaining, the chase had to be both aggressive and efficient.
Recognising the situation, Karnataka abandoned traditional red-ball caution and adopted a fearless approach more commonly seen in T20 cricket.
Padikkal and Agarwal Set the Tone Early
Karnataka's intent was unmistakable from the opening overs. Padikkal and veteran opener Mayank Agarwal launched a brutal assault on the Punjab bowling attack, racing to 117 runs in just 12.3 overs.
Agarwal led the early charge with a fluent 53 off 36 balls, taking on the pacers and forcing Punjab onto the defensive. Padikkal complemented him perfectly, combining timing with controlled aggression. His innings featured six boundaries and five towering sixes, ensuring the required run rate never became a concern.
Punjab Fight Back with a Mid-Innings Surge
Just when Karnataka appeared to be cruising, Punjab struck back. Emanjot Singh Chahal dismissed Agarwal, triggering a brief collapse. Karnataka lost three wickets in quick succession and slipped to 134 for 4, with KV Aneesh and Ravichandran Smaran departing cheaply.
For a moment, the chase threatened to unravel, and Punjab sensed an opening.
Padikkal Holds His Nerve Under Pressure
While wickets fell around him, Padikkal remained calm and composed. He refused to let panic creep in, rotating strike smartly and punishing loose deliveries. With support from the lower-middle order, Padikkal guided Karnataka safely through the tense phase, ensuring the asking rate stayed under control.
His unbeaten 120 off 85 balls was not just an exhibition of strokeplay but a masterclass in situational awareness, blending aggression with responsibility.
How the Match Reached the Final-Day Thriller
The foundation for the dramatic finish was laid over the previous three days. Punjab had posted 309 in their first innings, powered by solid knocks from Emanjot Singh Chahal (83) and Abhijeet Garg (81). Karnataka responded with 316, thanks to Shreyas Gopal's gritty 77 and a composed 59 from KL Rahul, taking a slender seven-run lead.
Punjab's second innings revolved around a defiant 93 from Uday Saharan, who showed maturity beyond his years. However, Karnataka's bowlers, led by Prasidh Krishna and Shreyas Gopal, chipped away regularly to dismiss Punjab for 256 and open the door for a decisive final session.
What the Result Means for the Points Table
The victory lifted Karnataka to 27 points, allowing them to leapfrog Saurashtra and qualify for the quarterfinals alongside Madhya Pradesh from Elite Group B. For Punjab, the defeat proved costly. Despite strong individual performances across both innings, their inability to stem the flow of runs in the fourth innings brought their campaign to a close.
Why This Chase Will Be Remembered
Padikkal's unbeaten century stands out as one of the most audacious fourth-innings chases in recent Ranji Trophy history. It showcased how modern domestic cricketers can adapt formats, mindsets and strategies when the situation demands it.
For Karnataka, it was not just a win-it was a statement of intent heading into the knockout stages.
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