NEW DELHI: KL Rahul produced a commanding century to guide Karnataka to a memorable four-wicket win over 42-time champions Mumbai, sealing their place in the Ranji Trophy semifinals in Mumbai on Monday.

Chasing a challenging target of 325, Karnataka were anchored by Rahul, who registered his 24th first-class hundred with a fluent 130 off 182 deliveries, laced with 14 fours and a six, at the Mumbai Cricket Association's Bandra Kurla Complex. His innings laid the foundation for the visitors' successful chase in the quarterfinal encounter.

The victory sets up a semifinal clash for Karnataka against Uttarakhand in Bengaluru next week.

Rahul found solid support in Ravichandran Smaran, with the pair coming together at a crucial stage to turn the match decisively in Karnataka's favour. Their 147-run partnership for the fourth wicket proved to be the turning point of the contest.

Smaran remained unbeaten on a composed 83 from 123 balls, striking 11 boundaries, as Karnataka closed out the chase with confidence.

Thanks to Rahul's knock, Karnataka, the eight-time winners of India's premier domestic red-ball tournament, were cruising at 265 for three when the lunch break was taken.

However, his magnificent knock came to an end soon after lunch as he was dismissed by Tushar Deshpande. Karnataka was still some distance from the target of 325 at that stage.

The big breakthrough gave Mumbai a glimmer of hope as their bowlers -- Deshande and Tanush Kotian -- dismissed two more to leave Karnataka at 285 for six and a good 40 runs from the target.

However, the 22-year-old Smaran, who has already amassed over 1000 runs in first-class cricket at an incredible average of 69.94, showed great character under pressure and stayed on till Vidyadhar Patil hit the winning run for Karnataka, the second most successful team in the tournament after Mumbai.

During his stay in the middle, the 33-year-old Rahul looked like a man on a mission and even after reaching his century, he just raised his bat briefly before going back to take guard once again.

Rahul reached his hundred by nudging Kotian through the off-side for four.

Rahul's presence has been a huge positive for Karnataka since he joined the team late in the group stage, where he posted a first-innings fifty against Punjab.

The India batter made 28 in the first innings but Karnataka managed a vital lead of 53 runs, which helped them greatly in their second innings chase.

(With PTI Inputs)