Padikkal has been in sublime form all season. In eight matches, the 25-year-old has scored 721 runs at an average of over 100. While several batters like Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, Narayan Jagadeesan and Karun Nair have crossed the 700-run mark once in a season, Padikkal now stands alone as the only player to have achieved the feat twice. His latest milestone came during Karnataka’s quarter-final against Mumbai.
The left-hander entered the quarter-final needing 60 runs to cross the 700-run mark for the season, and he achieved the feat in the 24th over of Karnataka’s chase. His unbeaten 81 off 95 balls not only sealed his record but also won him the Player of the Match award.
Earlier in the match, Karnataka opted to play first. Mumbai were restricted to 254 for 8 in the 50 overs allotted, with Vidyadhar Patil leading the attack with figures of 3/42. Vidwath Kaverappa and Abhilash Shetty scored with two wickets each. Mumbai struggled after a solid start, losing four wickets inside the first 18 overs. Shams Mulani scored a whopping 86 off 91 balls and got some support from skipper Siddhesh Lad, who scored 38.
In reply, Karnataka lost skipper Mayank Agarwal early for 12, but Padikkal and Karun Nair ensured there were no further problems. The duo built an uninterrupted partnership. Padikkal smashed 11 boundaries while Nair added 74 off 80 balls. Rain and poor light halted play as Karnataka cruised to 187/1 in 33 overs, comfortably above the required pace, leading to a 55-run win through the VJD method.
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