Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Karnataka qualifies for final after Uttarakhand semifinal ends as draw
Karnataka sealed its spot in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 on first-innings lead after its semifinal against Uttarakhand at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow ended as a draw on Thursday, February 19.
R. Smaran (127) and KL Rahul (86 not out) piled on the runs in Karnataka’s second innings as it finished with a hefty lead of 826 midway through the first session of the fifth day.
Though it stood no chance of chasing 827, Uttarakhand batted again. Shreyas Gopal took three wickets, while Avneesh Sudha scored a breezy half-century before the sides shook hands to end the tie with the score of 184 for six.
Earlier in the match, captain Devdutt Padikkal (232) had led the charge for his side, and was ably supported by Smaran (135) and Rahul (141) as Karnataka posted an imposing 736 in its first innings. Vidyadhar Patil and V. Vyshak then claimed three wickets apiece as it bowled out Uttarakhand for 233 to claim a first-innings lead of 503 runs.
Perhaps the only concern for Karnataka is the fitness of captain Padikkal, who did not bat in the second innings after sustaining a blow to the hand in the field.
Karnataka will now face Jammu & Kashmir in the final, which will be played from February 24 to 28.
Published on Feb 19, 2026
