In a breathtaking display of batting prowess, the Karnataka cricket team etched its name into the record books with a monumental victory in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. On Wednesday, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Karnataka achieved one of the greatest run chases ever witnessed in List-A cricket, successfully hunting down a mammoth target of 413 runs set by Jharkhand with five wickets and 15 balls to spare.
A Chase for the Ages: Second-Highest in History
This remarkable pursuit is now officially the second-highest successful run chase in the entire history of List-A cricket. The only chase that stands above it is the legendary 435-run effort by South Africa against Australia back in 2006. Karnataka's 413 has now entered elite company, pushing past other famous high-scoring pursuits.
The list of highest successful List-A chases now features:
- South Africa - 435 vs Australia (2006)
- Karnataka - 413 vs Jharkhand (2025)
- Queensland - 399 vs Tasmania (2014)
- Karachi - 392 vs Sialkot (2004)
- Middlesex - 388 vs Durham (2025)
Padikkal's Masterclass Anchors Himalayan Chase
The foundation for this incredible win was laid by the brilliant left-handed batter, Devdutt Padikkal. When the pressure was at its peak, Padikkal played a sensational innings, scoring 147 runs from just 118 deliveries. His knock was laced with 10 boundaries and seven massive sixes. Despite the required run rate hovering above eight runs per over for the majority of the innings, Padikkal displayed exceptional composure and controlled aggression, keeping his team firmly in the contest.
Karnataka's chase received early momentum from captain Mayank Agarwal, who provided a smooth and fluent start with a well-made 54 runs. In the crucial middle overs, Abhinav Manohar played a pivotal role by scoring a rapid 56. Manohar showcased his power-hitting abilities brilliantly, ensuring the required rate never spiraled out of control and maintaining constant pressure on the Jharkhand bowlers.
Prabhakar's Dream Debuт Seals the Win
Adding the final, decisive touches to this historic chase was 20-year-old Dhruv Prabhakar. On his List-A debut, Prabhakar played a mature and confident innings, remaining unbeaten on 40 runs. His smart running between the wickets and ability to find gaps in the field under extreme pressure helped Karnataka cross the finish line with remarkable comfort.
Kishan's Blitz in Vain for Jharkhand
Earlier in the match, Jharkhand, led by their captain Ishan Kishan, seemed to be in complete command. Kishan himself played a blistering knock, smashing a sensational century in just 33 balls. This whirlwind innings marked the second-fastest hundred ever by an Indian batter in List-A cricket. His explosive performance propelled Jharkhand past the formidable 400-run mark, posting a total that appeared almost impossible to chase in a 50-over game.
However, Karnataka's batting lineup, brimming with belief and courage, had other plans. They approached the chase with a positive mindset, refusing to be daunted by the scoreboard. The team's collective effort, combining calculated aggression with sensible cricket, turned what seemed like a certain defeat into a historic victory that will be remembered for years to come in domestic cricket circles.
