Karnataka walked into the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali knowing it was simple: win, or watch the knockout door shut. For most teams, a 250 chase in the fourth innings means survival mode. Karnataka flipped it into intent mode. Skipper Padikkal turned a tense final-round points equation into a statement chase that booked Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy quarter-final spot.
A Must-Win Chase, Finished In A Blur
Punjab set Karnataka 250 in the fourth innings, and the visitors decided to take time out of the equation. Padikkal stayed unbeaten on 120 off 85 balls, powering the target down in just 27.5 overs and sealing a five-wicket win.
It was bold, a little risky, and completely in tune with the moment. The result also reshaped Group B: Karnataka finished on 27 points to join Madhya Pradesh in the knockouts, while Saurashtra ended one point short.
The Supporting Cast And The Points Math
Padikkal was backed by Mayank Agarwal’s timely half-century, and later by Shreyas Gopal’s brisk 33 when the chase briefly threatened to wobble after quick wickets. Earlier, Karnataka’s bowlers kept the contest alive by dismissing Punjab for 309 and then 256, creating a target that was actually chaseable.
There was an added edge: Padikkal was named Karnataka captain only days before this final league fixture, and he answered with a pressure knock that doubled as a qualification ticket.
The Clip Everyone’s Sharing
If you missed the finish live, BCCI Domestic posted the key moment from Padikkal’s chase on X, and it’s already doing the rounds among domestic-cricket fans as the quarter-finals draw closer. For current latest News visit our dedicated news section.
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