Defending champions Karnataka will face Group C toppers Assam in Indore in the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals from February 16, after the draw for the knockouts was announced by the BCCI. The quarter-finals, earlier scheduled to start on Feb 15, have been deferred by a day to avoid a clash with India's World Cup opener against Pakistan.

The defending champions and runners-up, if qualified, get seedings for the knockouts and also receive the advantage of competing against qualifiers from the lowest rung. As a result, Maharashtra will have to face Andhra, who pipped Himachal Pradesh for the last qualification spot.

The most high-profile clash, however, is between Mumbai and Delhi in Cuttack. Delhi topped Group B, and have looked the most balanced outfit this season besides Karnataka. Mumbai, the 40-time champions, on the other hand, were lucky to have made it through to the quarter-finals.

The last match will see S Badrinath leading Vidarbha against Tamil Nadu, his home team.