Karnataka, Jharkhand, Andhra, Uttarakhand and J&K Storm into Ranji Trophy Quarter-finals

New Delhi, Feb 2026 : Karnataka, Jharkhand, Andhra, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir confirmed their places in the quarter-finals of the Ranji Trophy after dramatic finishes and favourable outcomes on the final day of the seventh-round league matches. The concluding round delivered high-intensity action across groups, with standout individual performances and tight points-table scenarios shaping the knockout line-up.

At the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, Karnataka produced one of the most thrilling moments of the league stage. Newly appointed captain Devdutt Padikkal led from the front with a sensational unbeaten 120 off just 85 balls to guide his team to a stunning chase of 250 runs against Punjab in only 27.5 overs. The emphatic victory sealed Karnataka’s entry into the quarter-finals and knocked Saurashtra out of contention.

Padikkal, who was handed the captaincy after Karnataka’s heavy defeat to Madhya Pradesh in their previous match, responded with a commanding and fearless innings. The left-hander set the tone early, bringing up his first half-century in 42 balls and accelerating further to score his second fifty in just 32 deliveries. His knock was well supported by former India opener Mayank Agarwal, who struck a brisk 53 off 36 balls, ensuring the chase was completed with ease and authority.

Earlier, Karnataka’s bowlers had managed to restrict Punjab to 256 in their second innings, but the effort came over 101 overs, leaving the visitors with limited time to force a result. Padikkal’s aggressive approach ensured that time never became an issue, as Karnataka surged to victory and claimed the final quarter-final berth from Elite Group B. Saurashtra, despite their dominant innings-and-56-run win over Chandigarh, were left hoping for a Karnataka slip-up that never came.

In Elite Group A, the race for qualification went down to fine margins. Jharkhand, Andhra and defending champions Vidarbha all finished the league stage tied on 31 points. However, bonus point wins proved decisive. Jharkhand topped the group with three bonus-point victories, Andhra followed with two, while Vidarbha managed only one, resulting in their elimination.

Vidarbha did manage to defeat Uttar Pradesh in Nagpur in their final match, but it was not enough to secure a knockout spot. The defending champions will particularly rue their earlier loss to Andhra, which ultimately cost them qualification. Their exit guarantees that the Ranji Trophy will see a new champion crowned this season.

Elite Group C also saw clear dominance from the qualifiers. Bengal finished as group leaders after defeating Haryana in Rohtak, comfortably booking their place in the knockouts. Uttarakhand joined them after a commanding innings-and-42-run victory over Assam in Dehradun.

Uttarakhand’s triumph was built on a strong all-round display. Spinner Mayank Mishra starred with the ball, picking up figures of 6 for 86 as Assam were bowled out for 278 after being forced to follow on. The foundation of the win was laid by captain Kunal Chandela, whose double-century in the first innings gave Uttarakhand a massive advantage. From there, the hosts maintained control throughout the match and sealed qualification in emphatic fashion.

In Elite Group D, Jammu and Kashmir progressed to the quarter-finals as the second-best team after Mumbai were held to a draw by Delhi. Delhi skipper Ayush Doseja played a crucial role, scoring an unbeaten 159 to deny Mumbai an outright win. As a result, J&K advanced despite their match against Himachal Pradesh being heavily affected by rain.

Jammu and Kashmir had earlier taken a massive first-innings lead of 603 runs after bowling out Himachal Pradesh for just 168. Himachal were struggling at 26 for 2 in their second innings when persistent overnight rain washed out the final day’s play at the Amtar Cricket Ground in Nadaun, confirming J&K’s passage into the knockouts.

The Ranji Trophy quarter-finals will be played from February 6 to 10. The fixtures are: Jharkhand versus Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh versus Jammu & Kashmir, Bengal versus Andhra, and Mumbai versus Karnataka.