Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26
Karnataka vs Puducherry — Prediction Correct ✅
KAR Karnataka
PUD Puducherry
Narendra Modi Stadium B, Ahmedabad
Our pre-match predictionResult: Karnataka won by 67 runs. KAR 363/4 vs PUD 296.
Our Prediction: Karnataka — Correct
Pre-match analysis published on 31 December 2025:
Karnataka are overwhelming favourites. The defending champions sit joint-top of Group A with a perfect 3-0 record (12 pts) and batting depth that no team can match. Puducherry are winless at 0-3 (0 pts) and their bowling just set an unwanted world record. This is a complete mismatch.
Team Context & Recent Form
Karnataka (3-0, 12 pts): Defending champions in imperious form. Devdutt Padikkal scored back-to-back centuries (147 vs Jharkhand, 124 vs Kerala) in Rounds 1-2. He made a quick 22 off 12 balls in Round 3 before departing early. Karun Nair (130* vs Kerala) delivered a match-winning performance. Captain Mayank Agarwal (58 vs TN) leads an experienced squad. Krishnan Shrijith (77) and Shreyas Gopal (55) stepped up in the last match. They have chased 413 and 289—no target is safe against this lineup.
Puducherry (0-3, 0 pts): A team in complete disarray. Lost to Jharkhand by 133 runs on Dec 29, conceding a massive 368/7. Captain Aman Khan set a world record for the most expensive bowling spell in List A history—conceding 123 runs in 10 overs (1/123). They've conceded 310+ in multiple matches. Parth Vagani dismissed both Jharkhand openers but it meant nothing. The bowling is shattered and the batting cannot compete.
Key Player Stats
| Player | Team | Role | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devdutt Padikkal | KAR | Opener | 147, 124 in Rounds 1-2 |
| Karun Nair | KAR | No. 3 | 130* vs Kerala (POTM) |
| Mayank Agarwal (C) | KAR | Opener | 58 vs TN, experienced leader |
| Aman Khan (C) | PUD | All-rounder | 1/123—world record worst spell |
| Parth Vagani | PUD | Bowler | Dismissed Jharkhand openers early |
Venue Analysis
Narendra Modi Stadium B, Ahmedabad offers flat batting conditions. Karnataka's batting firepower will feast. Puducherry just conceded 368 at this venue—they have no answers.
Final Verdict
This is a banker. Karnataka are playing championship-level cricket with Padikkal, Nair, Agarwal all in form. Puducherry's captain just bowled the worst spell in List A history. Their bowling confidence is shattered. Expect a dominant Karnataka victory by a massive margin.
Karnataka at 88% confidence is our pick.
Value Note
Odds not yet available. Expect Karnataka to be extremely heavy favourites around 1.08-1.12. SKIP for betting—no value at those prices, but this is as close to a guaranteed win as you'll find.
