Karnataka achieved a sensational seven-wicket victory over Mumbai in their opening Vijay Hazare Trophy match, chasing down a daunting target of 383 in just 46.2 overs at the Narendra Modi Stadium B Ground in Ahmedabad. This chase is the second-highest in the history of the tournament and the fifth-highest in List A cricket, cementing Karnataka’s place in the record books.
Historic Run Chase Led by Krishan Shrijith
Wicketkeeper-batter Krishan Shrijith was the star of the day, anchoring Karnataka’s chase with an unbeaten 150 off just 101 balls. His innings included 20 fours and 4 sixes, showcasing his remarkable ability to handle pressure. Karnataka’s effort fell just one run short of the highest-ever Vijay Hazare Trophy chase when Andhra Pradesh successfully hunted down 384 against Goa in the 2011/12 season.
The team’s chase also drew comparisons to South Africa’s legendary pursuit of 435 against Australia in Johannesburg in 2005, which remains the highest List A chase.
Contributions from Karnataka’s Lineup
Karnataka’s chase was a collective effort, with crucial contributions from multiple batters. Opener Nikin Jose gave the innings a brisk start with 21 runs, while skipper Mayank Agarwal built a steady platform with a composed 47, seeing off the new ball effectively.
KV Aneesh then took charge, smashing 82 runs at a rapid pace to keep Karnataka ahead of the required rate. Despite his dismissal, Shrijith continued the assault, receiving strong support from Praveen Dubey, who added an unbeaten 65 off 50 balls. Dubey’s effort ensured the team stayed ahead of the curve, allowing Shrijith to finish the job with 22 balls to spare.
Mumbai’s Batting Fireworks Fall Short
Earlier in the day, Mumbai had posted an imposing 383, powered by a blistering century from Shreyas Iyer, who scored 114* off just 55 balls. Shivam Dube also contributed with a quickfire innings, while Mumbai’s batting lineup delivered a seemingly unassailable total.
However, Mumbai’s bowling attack failed to rise to the occasion. Lead pacer Shardul Thakur had a forgettable outing, conceding 72 runs in six overs. Despite using eight bowlers, Mumbai could not contain Karnataka’s aggressive batting, allowing the opposition to script a remarkable victory.
A Statement Victory for Karnataka
Karnataka’s incredible chase not only secured a commanding start to their Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign but also sent a strong message to other teams in the tournament. With this win, they have showcased their depth, determination, and ability to chase down massive totals under pressure.
