Ranji Trophy Quarterfinals: Karnataka and Bengal Shine on Day One
The opening day of the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals showcased impressive performances from Prasidh Krishna and Shreyas Gopal, along with notable half-centuries from Mayank Agarwal and Ricky Bhui.
Karnataka vs Mumbai
In the match between Karnataka and Mumbai, the latter struggled, being bowled out for just 120 runs. Akhil Herwadkar was the standout performer for Mumbai, scoring 60 runs. However, other key players like Yashasvi Jaiswal (5), Musheer Khan (1), Siddesh Lad (12), and captain Shardul Thakur (16) failed to make significant contributions.
Karnataka's bowlers excelled, with Shreyas Gopal (3/4), Prasidh Krishna (3/21), and Vidhwath Kaverappa (3/38) each taking three wickets. In their first innings, Karnataka began strongly with a 50-run partnership between KL Rahul (28 off 26 balls, including six fours) and Mayank Agarwal. Despite the loss of skipper Devdutt Padikkal (17), Mayank remained unbeaten at 54 runs off 81 balls, supported by Karun Nair (3*), leading Karnataka to a score of 110/2 at the close of play.
In the other quarterfinal, Bengal faced Andhra Pradesh, opting to bowl first. Key contributions came from Srikar Bharat (47 off 57 balls, with nine fours), Shaik Rasheed (46 off 75 balls, also with nine fours), and captain Ricky Bhui, who scored 83 runs off 174 balls, hitting eight fours and three sixes. Nitish Kumar Reddy added 33 runs off 99 balls, helping Andhra Pradesh reach 264/6. Mukesh Kumar took three wickets, while Akash Deep claimed two.