The business end of the Ranji Trophy QF has delivered high-octane drama, with Uttarakhand becoming the first team to secure a semi-final berth. Dominating Jharkhand in a clinical display, they wrapped up an innings victory. Elsewhere, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) find themselves on the cusp of a historic upset against powerhouse Madhya Pradesh, while heavyweight battles between Mumbai and Karnataka remain on a knife-edge.
Uttarakhand Masterclass Ends Jharkhand’s Campaign
Uttarakhand showcased why they are the giant-killers of the domestic circuit this season. After securing a massive 136-run first-innings lead, their bowlers hunted in pairs to dismantle the Jharkhand batting lineup. Despite a fighting 86-run partnership between captain Virat Singh (55) and Kumar Kushagra (34), the rest of the batting order crumbled under pressure.
From a relatively stable 100/2, Jharkhand suffered a horrific collapse, losing their last eight wickets for just 30 runs. Mayank Mishra was the wrecker-in-chief, returning exceptional figures of 5/22, while Abhay Negi’s 4/36 provided the perfect support. The innings and six-run victory marks a significant milestone for Uttarakhand cricket, signaling their arrival as serious title contenders.
Sudip Gharami’s Double Century Put Bengal in Control
In Kalyani, Sudip Kumar Gharami played the innings of his life to put Bengal in a commanding position against Andhra. Resuming on his overnight hundred, Gharami showed immense temperament to bat through the entirety of Day 3, reaching an unbeaten double century. His marathon knock has propelled Bengal to 418/6, holding a lead of 123 runs.
While Sumanta Gupta fell agonisingly short of his century, missing out by 19 runs, the 165-run stand between him and Gharami effectively took the game away from Andhra. Later in the day, Habib Gandhi (45*) played a steady hand to ensure Bengal didn’t lose momentum. With two days left, Bengal looks set to dictate terms.
J&K Eye Major Upset in Ranji Trophy QF
The most compelling narrative of the quarter-finals is unfolding in the Madhya Pradesh vs J&K clash. Chasing a target of 291, the defending champions Madhya Pradesh are reeling at 76/5 at the close of Day 3. J&K’s pace-spin duo of Auqib Nabi and Abid Mushtaq have exploited the conditions brilliantly, picking up three and two wickets respectively.
Earlier, J&K showed immense character after being 73/5 in their second innings. A gritty lower-order resurgence led by Vanshaj Sharma (54) and Abid Mushtaq (41) pushed their total to 248. This spirited fightback has now placed J&K just five wickets away from a victory that would reverberate through the Indian domestic circuit.
KL Rahul Keeps Karnataka Alive Against Mumbai
At the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy, the “Clash of the Titans” between Mumbai and Karnataka is heading for a photo finish. Set a target of 325, Karnataka ended the day at 113/2. The focus remains squarely on KL Rahul, who is batting on an unbeaten 60. Rahul’s composure has been the bedrock of Karnataka’s chase, especially during his 84-run association with Devdutt Padikkal.
Mumbai, however, will feel they have the upper hand. Their second innings total of 377 was bolstered by a sensational 89-run stand for the final wickets. Tanush Kotian (48*) and Tushar Deshpande (47) frustrated the Karnataka bowlers, scoring at more than a run-a-ball. Kotian then returned with the ball to dismiss Padikkal late in the day, leaving the match perfectly balanced.
Tactical Shifts and Pitch Behavior
As the matches enter the fourth day, the role of the pitch will become paramount. In the Mumbai vs Karnataka game, the surface is showing signs of variable bounce, which Kotian and Deshpande exploited well. Similarly, the J&K spinners are finding significant turn, making life difficult for the MP middle order.
The ability of top-order batters like KL Rahul and Karun Nair to handle the wearing tracks will determine which teams progress. In the Ranji Trophy QF, the margin for error is non-existent, and one bad session can end a season’s worth of hard work.
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