The knockout stage of the 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy got off to a dramatic start in Bengaluru, where weather interruptions added intrigue but could not derail decisive performances from Karnataka and Saurashtra. On a day where rain and bad light repeatedly threatened to steal the spotlight, composure under pressure proved the defining factor as both teams secured their places in the semi-finals.
Karnataka Outclass Mumbai in Heavyweight Quarter-final
Karnataka underlined their title credentials with a dominant all-round display against a depleted Mumbai side at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Opting to bowl first, the hosts struck early and never loosened their grip on the contest.
Mumbai, missing key batter Sarfaraz Khan due to a finger injury, were rattled by Karnataka’s disciplined pace attack. Vidyadhar Patil (3/42) and Vidwath Kaverappa (2/43) exploited helpful conditions to reduce the 41-time champions to 60 for 4, putting the innings firmly on the back foot.
The resistance came through Shams Mulani, whose well-crafted 86 rescued Mumbai from further collapse and lifted them to a competitive 254 for 8.
In reply, Karnataka made light work of the chase. After an early wicket, Devdutt Padikkal and Karun Nair took complete control, stitching together an unbeaten 139-run stand. Padikkal’s fluent 77 not out and Nair’s composed 74 not out ensured the target never felt out of reach.
With rain and fading light halting play at 187 for 1 in 33 overs, Karnataka were comfortably ahead of the VJD par score and were declared winners by 55 runs, sealing a commanding passage into the last four.
Desai’s Masterclass Sees Saurashtra Stun Uttar Pradesh
If Karnataka’s victory was clinical, Saurashtra’s triumph over an in-form Uttar Pradesh was built on grit and fearless intent.
UP looked firmly in control after posting an imposing 310 for 8, driven by twin knocks of 88 from Abhishek Goswami and Sameer Rizvi. With the tournament’s only unbeaten side carrying momentum, Saurashtra faced a daunting chase.
The response, however, was led by a stunning display from Harvik Desai. Batting with authority and calm, Desai struck an unbeaten 100, anchoring the innings while Prerak Mankad added vital support with a brisk 67.
Just as the contest reached a crescendo, rain intervened with Saurashtra at 238 for 3 in 40.1 overs. Although 73 runs were still required, their aggressive scoring rate placed them 17 runs ahead of the VJD par score, handing Saurashtra a dramatic victory and knocking out the previously undefeated UP side.
Semi-final Line-up Takes Shape
With the quarter-finals concluded, Karnataka will face either Delhi or Vidarbha in the first semi-final, while Saurashtra are set to meet Punjab or Madhya Pradesh in the second. As the Vijay Hazare Trophy enters its decisive phase, the blend of form, resilience and adaptability on display in Bengaluru has set the stage for a thrilling finish.
Source: BCCI
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