In a classic clash of local titans, Karnataka wrote a spectacular comeback for defeat mumbai with four wickets in the fourth quarter-final Ranji Trophy 2025-26. Playing at the BKC Ground in Mumbai on February 9, 2026, the visitors successfully chased down a daunting target of 325 on the final day.
The win anchored a masterful century KL Rahulhis international experience has proven invaluable under pressure. He was brilliantly supported by the young sensation Smaran Ravichandranhis fearless approach dismantled Mumbai’s bowling attack. The thrilling win marks a milestone in Karnataka’s quest for a ninth Ranji title and knocks out the defending champions in their own backyard.
First innings: Prasidh Krishna’s fire takes Mumbai to 120 innings
The match started with the Mumbai captain Shardul Thakur winning the toss and electing to bat first, this decision quickly turned into a nightmare. Karnataka’s momentum Prasidh Krishna (3/21) and Vidwath Kaverappa (3/38) used the early morning humidity to devastating effect at the BKC ground to reduce Mumbai to a dangerous 39/3 in the first 14 overs.
Star switches Yashasvi Jaiswal and Mushir Khan they were dismissed cheaply, leaving veteran Akhil Hervadkar to battle alone with 60. Despite his resistance, Mumbai’s middle order crumbled like a leg-spinner. Shreyas Gopal Polished from the tail at 3/4 figures, he bundled out the hosts for 120 birdies in just 48.1 overs. Karnataka’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding saw them dominate the opening sessions, setting the stage for their first-innings reply and leaving the home fans in a state of shock as the heavyweights crumbled under the relentless pressure of the knockout game.
Second innings: Mayank Agarwal’s 92 hands Karnataka a slim lead
Karnataka’s first innings reply was characterized by a patient but determined approach led by the veteran Mayank Agarwal. Chasing Mumbai’s low total, Karnataka found themselves in a strong position early on, but Mumbai’s bowlers, led by Mohit Avasthi, struggled to keep the lead from getting out of hand. Mayank was dismissed for 92 after anchoring the innings for over four hours, just short of a century.
The middle row starts with a saw Devdutt Padikkal and Rahul (28), but frequent wickets meant Karnataka were eventually bowled out for 173, giving them a 53-run lead. Although the lead was smaller than they expected given Mumbai’s low score, it provided a psychological advantage. Especially Mumbai’s bowlers Mohit Avasthi and Tushar Deshpande with four wickets each, showing great character to keep their teams in the hunt, ensuring the second half of the match began with both teams still very much in contention on a pitch that began to offer more help to the spinners.
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Third innings: Akash Anand helps Mumbai set a massive 325-run target
Trailing by 53, Mumbai produced a sensational batting performance in their second outing to change the script of the quarter-finals. An opener Mushir Khan Mumbai played 49 overs to seal their reply and erase the deficit in the first session. found able support in it Akash Anand (68) and rapid fire 48 Tanush Kotianwhich allowed Mumbai to dictate the tempo of the game. Despite the best efforts of the Karnataka spinners, Mumbai ended their second innings with a massive 377/10, setting Karnataka a mammoth target of 325 to win in the final four sessions.
Fourth innings: KL Rahul’s 24th FC ton and Smaran Ravichandran seal the thriller
Chasing 325, Karnataka suffered an early setback with the loss Mayank Agarwal just 3 but the chase was saved by a legendary partnership. KL Rahul He went in with intent, playing a magnificent innings of 130 to celebrate his 24th First-Class century. It is spin navigation Shams Mulani using his feet and soft hands to deflect the blow with surgical precision.
The turning point came when he joined Smaran Ravichandranplaying a counter-attacking cameo caught Mumbai off guard. Smara’s aggression, highlighted by three boundaries in one off Tushar Deshpande, forced Mumbai into defensive areas and allowed Rahul to seal the chase at the other end.
Together, they put up a 147-run stand that broke the spirit of the Mumbai attack. Even after Rahul was dismissed late in the day, Smaran remained poised to cross the finish line for Karnataka with 4 wickets to spare. The win was a testament to Karnataka’s depth and Rahul’s elite temperament, securing their place in the semi-finals.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
Best century by KL Rahul 👏🏻
Please stay there until the end. Don’t smell them. After Manish’s heroics, the Mysore loss in 2010 is still fresh in our minds #RanjiTrophy
— Dodda Ganesh Dodda Ganesh (@doddaganesha) February 9, 2026
Well-played Karnataka: the riveting game of cricket, Mumbai is never easy to beat in Mumbai. Congratulations @Ram_Guha and @dp_satish . We will be back!👍😊 https://t.co/Z3ni86v3Al
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) February 9, 2026
A well-fought win for Karnataka against Mumbai in Ranji QF. Thanks to an incredible fourth hundred by KL Rahul and a smooth knock by Smara. It was not an easy pitch. Smaran is back in form. Karnataka have a brilliant chance to lift this year’s Ranji Trophy!…
— Satish Acharya (@satishacharya) February 9, 2026
KL Rahul stands tall in high pursuit. Awesome 💯 for Mumbai vs Karnataka. This man’s commitment levels are something else #RanjiTrophy
— Prasanna (@prasannalara) February 9, 2026
Heroic, match-winning century by KL Rahul! He led Karnataka’s chase of 325 against Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals, scoring 130 (182) in the opener. The ultimate big match player. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/SM2yx7qEEk
— Kanak Kumari (@KanakKu64995524) February 9, 2026
130(182) including 14 fours and 1 while chasing 325 runs. 👏
A knock that truly deserves a standing ovation – class by KL Rahul for Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy Quarter Final against Mumbai. 🫡
Big match player for Karnataka and India. 🙌#KLRahul #RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/hpKVcIHR2r
— Sabir Zafar (@Sabir_Saabu01) February 9, 2026
Karnataka beats Mumbai in Ranji Trophy quarter finals! Karnataka chased down 325 in the 4th innings of the match. KL Rahul scored 130 runs. Ravichandran scored 83 not out.
— ER Ramachandran (@ERRamachandran) February 9, 2026
HISTORIC RUN BY KARNATAKA 🔥
KL Rahul – 130(182)
Smaran Ravichandran – 83*(123)KARNATAKA Chase were bowled out by 325 runs against Mumbai in the quarter-finals of the Ranji trophy – one of the best ever. pic.twitter.com/jIsI6H1FPk
– Jones. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 9, 2026
Karnataka beat arch rivals Mumbai by 4 goals to advance to the semi-finals💛♥️#RanjiTrophy #MUMvKAR
— Karnataka Sports Fans (@karnataka_sport) February 9, 2026
After that agonizing 2010 final defeat, it was a one-way traffic between Karnataka and Mumbai. #RanjiTrophy
Played: 8 (including today’s game)
Karnataka won: 5
Mumbai Won: 0
Karnataka FIL: 2
Mumbai FIL: 1 (21 runs only)This is the absolute rule of Mumbai’s nemesis, Karnataka!
— Ramachandra.M| Ramachandra.M (@nanuramu) February 9, 2026
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