Padikkal scripts history as Karnataka beat Mumbai to reach Vijay Hazare Trophy semis

Devdutt Padikkal entered his name in the record books on Monday, January 12, by becoming the first batter to score 700 runs in multiple Vijay Hazare Trophy seasons as Karnataka knocked out Mumbai to enter the semifinals. Only five batters, Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, Padikkal, Narayan Jagadeesan and Karun Nair, have managed to breach the 700-run mark in a single edition of the tournament, but Padikkal now stands alone in achieving the feat twice.

Padikkal needed 60 runs in the quarterfinal clash at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru to reach the milestone in the 2025-26 season. He got there in the 24th over of Karnataka's chase, bowled by Shams Mulani, drawing applause from teammates and spectators



alike.

Karnataka advanced to the semifinals after being declared winners by 55 runs via the VJD method. Rain and bad light forced an early end to the contest with the hosts cruising at 187 for 1 in 33 overs while chasing Mumbai's 255-run target.

Padikkal remained unbeaten on 81 off 95 balls, while Karun Nair stood firm with 74 off 80 deliveries when play was called off. Their unbroken partnership ensured Karnataka were well ahead of the required rate, leaving no doubt about the outcome.

Earlier, Karnataka won the toss and opted to field first, restricting Mumbai to 254 for 8. Vidhyadhar Patil led the bowling effort with three wickets, while Vidwath Kaverappa and Abhilash Shetty picked up two wickets each.