VHT 2025-26 QFs: Mumbai’s Top Order Crumbles as UP’s Goswami & Rizvi Set Commanding Total
Bengaluru witnessed a day of contrasting fortunes and gripping cricketing drama as the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 Quarterfinals kicked off. While Uttar Pradesh showcased their formidable batting prowess to post a commanding total against Saurashtra, domestic heavyweights Mumbai found themselves in deep trouble against a disciplined Karnataka attack, a scenario that is sure to spark
Bengaluru witnessed a day of contrasting fortunes and gripping cricketing drama as the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 Quarterfinals kicked off. While Uttar Pradesh showcased their formidable batting prowess to post a commanding total against Saurashtra, domestic heavyweights Mumbai found themselves in deep trouble against a disciplined Karnataka attack, a scenario that is sure to spark intense debate among cricket pundits. This is breaking news analysis as the knockouts intensify, with teams battling for a coveted semi-final berth.
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Mumbai Stumbles as Karnataka’s Bowlers Dominate Early
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The clash between Mumbai and Karnataka was billed as one of the tournament’s most anticipated encounters, pitting two cricketing powerhouses against each other. However, the contest quickly turned into a tale of Mumbai’s struggles, particularly against a relentless Karnataka bowling unit that seemed to relish the challenge on home turf. After Karnataka captain Mayank Agarwal won the toss and elected to field, his bowlers justified the decision with early breakthroughs.
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Mumbai’s openers, Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Ishan Mulchandani, initially provided a ‘good start,’ navigating the first seven overs to reach 27 without loss. However, the stability was short-lived. The first blow came when Musheer Khan, attempting to build on the foundation, departed for just nine runs, falling prey to Vidyadhar Patil and caught by Devdutt Padikkal. This dismissal triggered a concerning collapse. Hardik Tamore followed soon after, dismissed by the impressive Vidwath Kaverappa for a mere one run, leaving Mumbai reeling at a precarious 60 for 4 in the 17th over. The initial ‘three-down’ status quickly worsened to ‘four-down’, underscoring the pressure exerted by Karnataka’s attack.
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Skipper Siddhesh Lad and Shams Mulani then attempted to steady the ship, forming a ‘good partnership’ that saw Lad inching towards a half-century at 33 runs. Yet, Mumbai’s woes resurfaced. Suryansh Shedge became the sixth wicket to fall, dismissed by Kaverappa for 16, plunging Mumbai into ‘deep trouble’ at 165 for 5 in the 39th over. Kaverappa, along with Vidyadhar Patil and Abhilash Shetty, spearheaded Karnataka’s bowling efforts effectively.
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Mulani’s Lone Battle and Mumbai’s Final Score
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Amidst the flurry of wickets, Shams Mulani emerged as Mumbai’s beacon of hope. He played a valiant innings, nearing his half-century and eventually becoming the top scorer with 86 runs. Supported by Sairaj Patil’s crucial 33, Mulani ensured Mumbai reached a respectable, though perhaps below-par, total of 254 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. For Karnataka, Vidyadhar Patil was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Vidwath Kaverappa and Abhilash Shetty chipped in with two wickets each. As Karnataka began their chase, openers Mayank Agarwal and Devdutt Padikkal looked comfortable, reaching 17 without loss in two overs, setting the stage for a compelling chase.
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Uttar Pradesh’s Dominance: Goswami and Rizvi Power to a Big Total
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In the second quarterfinal, Uttar Pradesh, boasting an ‘unbeaten run’ in the group stage, faced Saurashtra, who had also enjoyed a strong tournament with five wins from seven matches. The toss saw Saurashtra opt to bowl first, hoping to exploit early conditions, much like Karnataka.
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Saurashtra’s Chetan Sakariya made an immediate impact, removing opener Aryan Juyal for a duck in the third over via an LBW decision. Sakariya struck again, claiming Rituraj Sharma for 12, leaving UP at a shaky 42 for 2. However, Uttar Pradesh demonstrated why they were group toppers, staging a remarkable recovery. Abhishek Goswami and Priyam Garg orchestrated a vital partnership, providing much-needed ‘momentum’.
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Garg departed for a solid 35, making way for captain Rinku Singh to join Goswami at the crease. Goswami, described as a ‘strong wall’, celebrated his half-century and continued his aggressive approach alongside Sameer Rizvi after Rinku Singh’s departure. This new partnership proved devastating for Saurashtra.
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Record-Breaking Partnership and Mammoth Total
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Abhishek Goswami and Sameer Rizvi put on a masterclass in middle-order batting. Both batsmen showcased exceptional skill and temperament, with Goswami eventually falling for a magnificent 88, trapped by P Rana and stumped by Harvik Desai. He narrowly missed out on a deserving century, a ‘big wicket’ for Saurashtra that could have stemmed the flow. However, Rizvi continued his charge, also reaching 88 runs and stitching a ‘solid seventh-wicket partnership’ with Vipraj Nigam. Further contributions came from Prashant Veer (30) and Priyam Garg (35).
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Uttar Pradesh ultimately amassed an imposing total of 310 for 8 in their 50 overs, a testament to their deep batting line-up and ability to recover from early setbacks. Chetan Sakariya was Saurashtra’s most successful bowler with three wickets, while Ankur Panwar and Prerak Mankad each secured two. This formidable score leaves Saurashtra with a challenging chase ahead, highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s strong contention for the trophy.
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Player Focus: Padikkal and Sarfaraz – Knocking on the National Doors
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The Vijay Hazare Trophy consistently serves as a critical platform for emerging and established talents to stake their claim for higher honours, and this season is no different. Ahead of these crucial quarterfinals, two names were consistently in the spotlight: Devdutt Padikkal of Karnataka and Sarfaraz Khan, a prominent figure in Mumbai’s squad.
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Padikkal, with a staggering 640 runs in just seven innings, including four hundreds and a half-century, arrived at the quarterfinals as the tournament’s leading run-getter. His relentless ‘run machine’ form has not only propelled Karnataka but also made him an undeniable candidate for national selection, especially with an eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup. Cricket analysts widely believe that if he ‘continues to be a run machine, it would be tough for the selectors to ignore him’. While his direct impact with the bat in Karnataka’s chase against Mumbai is only at the very beginning of the update (8* off 7 balls), his overall tournament performance underscores his importance.
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Similarly, Sarfaraz Khan was a player ‘all eyes’ were on. Known for his sensational T20 form, Sarfaraz had recently smashed the ‘fastest fifty by an Indian in men’s List A cricket’ during an ‘inconsequential’ league fixture against Punjab. This remarkable feat, despite Mumbai’s loss in that game, served as ‘yet another reminder from Sarfaraz to the selectors of his special abilities in the shorter formats’. While his specific contributions with the bat in this quarterfinal were not detailed in the provided updates, his pre-match narrative highlighted the depth of talent vying for recognition.
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The Road Ahead: Semi-Final Hopes and Tournament Implications
\n
The quarterfinals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 have delivered intense action and clear narratives. Mumbai’s struggle to post a competitive total against Karnataka puts immense pressure on their bowling unit to defend 254. Conversely, Uttar Pradesh’s commanding 310 against Saurashtra has put them in a dominant position, leveraging their impressive group stage momentum. These matches are not just about progression in the tournament; they are crucial auditions for players, influencing selection decisions for upcoming national and international assignments.
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As the second innings of both matches unfold, the cricketing world will be keenly watching to see which teams advance to the semi-finals. The performances here could very well shape the cricketing landscape for the upcoming season and beyond, offering a glimpse into the future stars of Indian cricket.
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Disclaimer: Cricket Mantra aggregates breaking cricket news from multiple reputable sources, enriching them with in-depth analysis and expert commentary to provide comprehensive coverage for our readers.
”
}
{
“headline”: “VHT 2025-26 QFs: Mumbai’s Top Order Crumbles as UP’s Goswami & Rizvi Set Commanding Total”,
“category”: “Match Analysis”,
“article”: “
Bengaluru witnessed a day of contrasting fortunes and gripping cricketing drama as the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 Quarterfinals kicked off. While Uttar Pradesh showcased their formidable batting prowess to post a commanding total against Saurashtra, domestic heavyweights Mumbai found themselves in deep trouble against a disciplined Karnataka attack, a scenario that is sure to spark intense debate among cricket pundits. This is breaking news analysis as the knockouts intensify, with teams battling for a coveted semi-final berth.
\n\n
Mumbai Stumbles as Karnataka’s Bowlers Dominate Early
\n
The clash between Mumbai and Karnataka was billed as one of the tournament’s most anticipated encounters, pitting two cricketing powerhouses against each other. However, the contest quickly turned into a tale of Mumbai’s struggles, particularly against a relentless Karnataka bowling unit that seemed to relish the challenge on home turf. After Karnataka captain Mayank Agarwal won the toss and elected to field, his bowlers justified the decision with early breakthroughs.
\n\n
Mumbai’s openers, Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Ishan Mulchandani, initially provided a ‘good start,’ navigating the first seven overs to reach 27 without loss. However, the stability was short-lived. The first blow came when Musheer Khan, attempting to build on the foundation, departed for just nine runs, falling prey to Vidyadhar Patil and caught by Devdutt Padikkal. This dismissal triggered a concerning collapse. Hardik Tamore followed soon after, dismissed by the impressive Vidwath Kaverappa for a mere one run, leaving Mumbai reeling at a precarious 60 for 4 in the 17th over. The initial ‘three-down’ status quickly worsened to ‘four-down’, underscoring the pressure exerted by Karnataka’s attack.
\n\n
Skipper Siddhesh Lad and Shams Mulani then attempted to steady the ship, forming a ‘good partnership’ that saw Lad inching towards a half-century at 33 runs. Yet, Mumbai’s woes resurfaced. Suryansh Shedge became the sixth wicket to fall, dismissed by Kaverappa for 16, plunging Mumbai into ‘deep trouble’ at 165 for 5 in the 39th over. Kaverappa, along with Vidyadhar Patil and Abhilash Shetty, spearheaded Karnataka’s bowling efforts effectively.
\n\n
Mulani’s Lone Battle and Mumbai’s Final Score
\n
Amidst the flurry of wickets, Shams Mulani emerged as Mumbai’s beacon of hope. He played a valiant innings, nearing his half-century and eventually becoming the top scorer with 86 runs. Supported by Sairaj Patil’s crucial 33, Mulani ensured Mumbai reached a respectable, though perhaps below-par, total of 254 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. For Karnataka, Vidyadhar Patil was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Vidwath Kaverappa and Abhilash Shetty chipped in with two wickets each. As Karnataka began their chase, openers Mayank Agarwal and Devdutt Padikkal looked comfortable, reaching 17 without loss in two overs, setting the stage for a compelling chase.
\n\n
Uttar Pradesh’s Dominance: Goswami and Rizvi Power to a Big Total
\n
In the second quarterfinal, Uttar Pradesh, boasting an ‘unbeaten run’ in the group stage, faced Saurashtra, who had also enjoyed a strong tournament with five wins from seven matches. The toss saw Saurashtra opt to bowl first, hoping to exploit early conditions, much like Karnataka.
\n\n
Saurashtra’s Chetan Sakariya made an immediate impact, removing opener Aryan Juyal for a duck in the third over via an LBW decision. Sakariya struck again, claiming Rituraj Sharma for 12, leaving UP at a shaky 42 for 2. However, Uttar Pradesh demonstrated why they were group toppers, staging a remarkable recovery. Abhishek Goswami and Priyam Garg orchestrated a vital partnership, providing much-needed ‘momentum’.
\n\n
Garg departed for a solid 35, making way for captain Rinku Singh to join Goswami at the crease. Goswami, described as a ‘strong wall’, celebrated his half-century and continued his aggressive approach alongside Sameer Rizvi after Rinku Singh’s departure. This new partnership proved devastating for Saurashtra.
\n\n
Record-Breaking Partnership and Mammoth Total
\n
Abhishek Goswami and Sameer Rizvi put on a masterclass in middle-order batting. Both batsmen showcased exceptional skill and temperament, with Goswami eventually falling for a magnificent 88, trapped by P Rana and stumped by Harvik Desai. He narrowly missed out on a deserving century, a ‘big wicket’ for Saurashtra that could have stemmed the flow. However, Rizvi continued his charge, also reaching 88 runs and stitching a ‘solid seventh-wicket partnership’ with Vipraj Nigam. Further contributions came from Prashant Veer (30) and Priyam Garg (35).
\n\n
Uttar Pradesh ultimately amassed an imposing total of 310 for 8 in their 50 overs, a testament to their deep batting line-up and ability to recover from early setbacks. Chetan Sakariya was Saurashtra’s most successful bowler with three wickets, while Ankur Panwar and Prerak Mankad each secured two. This formidable score leaves Saurashtra with a challenging chase ahead, highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s strong contention for the trophy.
\n\n
Player Focus: Padikkal and Sarfaraz – Knocking on the National Doors
\n
The Vijay Hazare Trophy consistently serves as a critical platform for emerging and established talents to stake their claim for higher honours, and this season is no different. Ahead of these crucial quarterfinals, two names were consistently in the spotlight: Devdutt Padikkal of Karnataka and Sarfaraz Khan, a prominent figure in Mumbai’s squad.
\n\n
Padikkal, with a staggering 640 runs in just seven innings, including four hundreds and a half-century, arrived at the quarterfinals as the tournament’s leading run-getter. His relentless ‘run machine’ form has not only propelled Karnataka but also made him an undeniable candidate for national selection, especially with an eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup. Cricket analysts widely believe that if he ‘continues to be a run machine, it would be tough for the selectors to ignore him’. While his direct impact with the bat in Karnataka’s chase against Mumbai is only at the very beginning of the update (8* off 7 balls), his overall tournament performance underscores his importance.
\n\n
Similarly, Sarfaraz Khan was a player ‘all eyes’ were on. Known for his sensational T20 form, Sarfaraz had recently smashed the ‘fastest fifty by an Indian in men’s List A cricket’ during an ‘inconsequential’ league fixture against Punjab. This remarkable feat, despite Mumbai’s loss in that game, served as ‘yet another reminder from Sarfaraz to the selectors of his special abilities in the shorter formats’. While his specific contributions with the bat in this quarterfinal were not detailed in the provided updates, his pre-match narrative highlighted the depth of talent vying for recognition.
\n\n
The Road Ahead: Semi-Final Hopes and Tournament Implications
\n
The quarterfinals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 have delivered intense action and clear narratives. Mumbai’s struggle to post a competitive total against Karnataka puts immense pressure on their bowling unit to defend 254. Conversely, Uttar Pradesh’s commanding 310 against Saurashtra has put them in a dominant position, leveraging their impressive group stage momentum. These matches are not just about progression in the tournament; they are crucial auditions for players, influencing selection decisions for upcoming national and international assignments.
\n\n
As the second innings of both matches unfold, the cricketing world will be keenly watching to see which teams advance to the semi-finals. The performances here could very well shape the cricketing landscape for the upcoming season and beyond, offering a glimpse into the future stars of Indian cricket.
\n
\n
Disclaimer: Cricket Mantra aggregates breaking cricket news from multiple reputable sources, enriching them with in-depth analysis and expert commentary to provide comprehensive coverage for our readers.