Karnataka Vs Kerala Highlights, Vijay Hazare Trophy: Nair, Padikkal Tons Power Dominant KAR Win

Ready for the South Indian derby between two in-form sides Karnataka and Kerala in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 season? The competition is expected to be spicy and high scoring, so don't miss a moment and stay tuned to our live blog for all the real-time updates.

Expect a run-fest, with Karnataka having chased down a 400-plus target against Jharkhand in their opening fixture. Kerala, meanwhile, piled up 348 against Tripura and cruised to a dominant 145-run victory.

Karnataka have won the toss and have opted to field first against Kerala.

Karnataka (Playing XI): Mayank Agarwal(c), Devdutt Padikkal, Karun Nair, Smaran Ravichandran, Krishnan Shrijith(w), Abhinav Manohar, Shreyas Gopal, Vidyadhar Patil, Shreesha Achar, Abhilash Shetty, Vidhwath Kaverappa

Kerala (Playing XI): Rohan Kunnummal(c), Abhishek P Nair, Ahammed Imran, Baba Aparajith, Vishnu Vinod, Ankit Sharma, Mohammed Azharuddeen(w), Akhil Scaria, MD Nidheesh, KM Asif, Vignesh Puthur

Kerala’s innings have had an early shake-up. Rohan S Kunnummal is holding one end with 12 off 20 and two crisp boundaries, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Abhishek J Nair couldn’t last long, caught by K L Shrijith off Abhilash Shetty for 7, and Ahammed Imran falls first ball, trapped lbw by Shetty.

B Aparajith is leading the rebuild brilliantly, unbeaten on 30 off 18 with six boundaries, giving Kerala a solid platform to push from here.

Kerala’s innings get a strong lift as Baba Aparajith reaches 55 off 49 balls with eight crisp boundaries, holding one end firmly. Akhil Scaria supports patiently at the other end, unbeaten on 7 off 28, as Kerala look to push their total steadily.

Kerala are trying to find their rhythm at 173/5 in 33.3 overs. Vishnu Vinod is unbeaten on 29 off 33, while Mohammed Azharuddeen supports on 20 off 18, looking to keep the innings moving forward.

Kerala push on to 231/7 in 45.4 overs with Mohammed Azharuddeen standing tall at the death, unbeaten on 53 off 46 with three boundaries. Ankit Sharma departs for 2 off 7, caught by K L Shrijith off Vidyadhar Patil, while Nidheesh M D stays put on 15 off 34, helping Kerala close out the innings.

Kerala finish strong on 284/7 from 50 overs against Karnataka, driven by a superb unbeaten knock from Mohammed Azharuddeen. The wicketkeeper-batter stays not out on 84 off 58 balls, lifting the tempo late and pushing Kerala to a competitive total at the end of the innings.

Chasing 285, Karnataka get off to a cautious start. Mayank Agarwal, the captain, falls early for 1, trapped lbw by Akhil Scaria. Devdutt Padikkal and Karun Nair remain at the crease, unbeaten on 17 off 22 and 10 off 16 respectively, trying to build a steady foundation for the chase.

Devdutt Padikkal is unbeaten on 30 off 46 with four boundaries, while Karun Nair is steady at the other end, unbeaten on 35 off 35 with six boundaries. The pair are looking to build a strong partnership to keep Karnataka in the hunt.

Karnataka’s chase of 285 gets a boost as Karun Nair reaches his fifty, unbeaten on 50+, anchoring the innings alongside Devdutt Padikkal. The partnership keeps Karnataka firmly in the hunt with 159 runs still needed.

What a partnership this has been, from India internationals Devdutt Padikkal (124 not out) and Karun Nair (95 not out). They are not just taking Karnataka towards a dominant victory, but also making a statement to the national selectors in the process.

Nidheesh MD dismisses Devdutt Padikkal for 124, and that brings Smaran Ravichandran to the crease. He is giving Karun Nair (118 not out) company, who has notched up his century and is going strong. Karnataka just need 28 more runs off 31 balls, with eight wickets in hand.

Karun Nair stays there till the end, finishing unbeaten on a run-a-ball 130 as Karnataka chase down Kerala's 285-run target in 48.2 overs. Smaran Ravichandran (25 not out) completes the job alongside Nair as Karnataka claim their second consecutive win of the tournament, while Kerala suffer their first loss.