Vijay Hazare Trophy: Devdutt Padikkal becomes first batsman in history to score...

Dashing left-handed batter Devdutt Padikkal etched his name into the record books as Karnataka defeated Mumbai to secure a place in the semifinals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Monday, January 12. The stylish left-hander became the first batter in the tournament’s history to score 700 runs in multiple seasons, achieving the landmark during the 2025–26 edition.

Padikkal required 60 runs in the quarterfinal at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru to reach the milestone. He brought it up in the 24th over of Karnataka’s chase, bowled by Shams Mulani, drawing applause from teammates and spectators. While only five batters have crossed the 700-run mark in a single season, Padikkal now stands alone in accomplishing the feat twice.

Rain Curtailed Match, Karnataka Stay Ahead

Karnataka were declared winners by 55 runs via the VJD method after rain and bad light brought an early end to proceedings. At the time of interruption, the hosts were cruising at 187 for 1 in 33 overs while chasing Mumbai’s target of 255.

Padikkal remained unbeaten on 81 off 95 balls, while Karun Nair played a composed knock of 74 not out from 80 deliveries. Their unbroken partnership ensured Karnataka were comfortably ahead of the required rate.

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Bowlers Set the Platform

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

Shams Mulani was Mumbai’s standout performer with a resilient 86 off 91 balls. Siddhesh Lad contributed 38, but the rest of the batting line-up struggled to build momentum.

A Commanding Win

In reply, Mayank Agarwal fell early for 12, but Padikkal and Nair ensured there were no further setbacks. Their calm and controlled batting guided Karnataka into a dominant position, sealing a memorable victory and underlining Padikkal’s growing stature in domestic cricket.