Karnataka to take on Mumbai in Sponsors Trophy opener

Karnataka will take on Mumbai in the opening match of the Sponsors Trophy (previously known as the Wills Trophy) at Mumbai on April 18, next year.

The other two first round matches pit Railways Sports Control Board (RSCB) against Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) at Rajkot on April 18 and Sponsors XI against Orissa Cricket Association (OCA) at Pune on the same day, a Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) release said on Thursday.

Reigning champions Board President's XI, who have got a bye directly to the semi-finals will play either Karnataka or Mumbai in Mumbai on April 21 while the second semi-final between the winners of RSCB vs PCA and Sponsors Eleven vs OCA would be held at Ahmedabad on the same date, the release said. The final would be played at Baroda on April 24.