Ranji Trophy Final: Dogra, Wadhawan Steady J&K at 380/4 by Lunch on Day 2

Hubli- Captain Paras Dogra and wicketkeeper-batter Kanhaiya Wadhawan guided Jammu and Kashmir to a strong 380/4 at lunch on Day 2 of the Ranji Trophy Final against eight-time champions Karnataka at the Hubli Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

After J&K dominated proceedings on the opening day, Karnataka, led by Devdutt Padikkal, struck back early on Day 2 as their pacers exploited movement and bounce to put the batting side under pressure.

The breakthrough came in the 98th over when overnight centurion Shubham Pundir was dismissed by Vidyadhar Patil, departing for a fine 121 that included 12 fours and two sixes. Soon after, Abdul Samad (61) fell to Prasidh Krishna, giving the pacer his third wicket of the innings.

With momentum briefly shifting, Dogra — who had retired hurt on Day 1 — returned to the crease and, alongside Wadhawan, rebuilt the innings. Wadhawan countered the pressure with fluent strokeplay and smart rotation of strike, while Dogra provided stability.

The session also witnessed a brief flashpoint when Dogra was involved in a heated exchange with Karnataka substitute fielder K.V. Aneesh in the 101st over, prompting umpires and senior players, including Mayank Agarwal, to intervene.

Unfazed by the incident, the J&K skipper continued to anchor the innings. At lunch, Dogra was unbeaten on 36, with Wadhawan steady on 45, as Jammu & Kashmir closed in on the 400-run mark and looked well placed to post a massive first-innings total.

Brief Scores: Jammu & Kashmir 380/4 (Shubham Pundir 121, Yawer Hassan 88, Abdul Samad 61; Prasidh Krishna 3/59, Vidyadhar Patil 1/85) vs Karnataka, Lunch Day 2.

With inputs from IANS