Devdutt Padikkal & Karun Nair's centuries help Karnataka to beat Kerala in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26

On the second day of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, Karnataka successfully chased the 285-run target against Kerala, thanks to centuries by Devdutt Padikkal and Karun Nair. 

After Karnataka chose to field first in Ahmedabad, Kerala scored 284/7 in 50 overs, with two 70+ scores. In reply, the opener Devdutt Padikkal and the no.3 batter Karun Nair scored strong centuries to guide the team to a crucial victory with a comfortable chase, as Karnataka chased down the target in 48.2 overs after losing only two wickets.

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Kerala revived from poor start

Kerala lost their first three batters inside the first 10 overs, as they were once struggling at 49/3. The middle-order batters handled the innings with their solid innings. While Baba Aparajith scored 71 off 62 balls with eight fours and two sixes, Mohammed Azharuddeen played a smashing knock of 84 not out off just 58 balls with three fours and four sixes. 

Also, Vishnu Vinod (35) and MD Nidheesh (34*) played some helpful innings, while Mohammed Azharuddeen and Nidheesh had a 99-run partnership for the unbroken eighth wicket. Among the Karnataka bowlers, Abhilash Shetty got three wickets (3/59) and Shreyas Gopal picked up two wickets (2/61).

Devdutt Padikkal and Karun Nair slammed centuries after Mayank Agarwal's early dismissal

Although Karnataka captain Mayank Agarwal was dismissed for only one run in the second over, his opening partner Devdutt Padikkal and the no.3 batter Karun Nair completely controlled the chase with a 223-run partnership for the second wicket. 

Padikkal scored 124 runs off 137 balls with 12 fours and three sixes. Although Padikkal was dismissed, Karun Nair and Ravichandran Smaran guided the team to a successful chase. While Smaran scored 25 not out off 16 balls with four fours, the Player of the Match Karun scored a run-a-ball 130 not out with the help of 14 fours.