Ranji Trophy Final: Jammu & Kashmir Create History with Maiden Title After Dominant Show Against Karnataka

Hubbali: Jammu & Kashmir etched their name into Indian domestic cricket history by clinching their first-ever Ranji Trophy title, riding on a massive first-innings lead to force a draw against eight-time champions Karnataka in the final at the Hubli Cricket Ground on Saturday.

Producing commanding performances with both bat and ball over five days, Jammu & Kashmir dominated every phase of the contest. A daunting 291-run first-innings advantage put them firmly in control before they declared their second innings at 342/4 on the final day. With no realistic chance of overturning the deficit, the match ended in a draw by mutual agreement, triggering jubilant celebrations among the Jammu & Kashmir players and support staff.

Jammu & Kashmir set the tone from the outset after opting to bat, powered by a historic unbeaten 117 from Shubham Pundir on the opening day. Pundir became the first batter from the state to score a century in a Ranji Trophy final, anchoring the innings with authority. He received solid support from Yawer Hassan (88) and Abdul Samad (52*), as the visitors dominated all three sessions.

The momentum continued on Day 2 with contributions across the order. Captain Paras Dogra struck a resolute half-century, while Kanhaiya Wadhawan (70) and Sahil Lotra (57*) ensured Karnataka remained under constant pressure. Despite a five-wicket haul by Prasidh Krishna, Jammu & Kashmir piled up a formidable 584.

Their bowlers then took centre stage on Day 3, led by a match-defining spell from Auqib Nabi Dar, who dismantled Karnataka’s top order to leave them reeling at 57/4. While Karnataka skipper Mayank Agarwal fought back with a magnificent century, Jammu & Kashmir retained control.

Karnataka were eventually bowled out for 293 on Day 4, with Auqib Nabi claiming a five-wicket haul to secure a decisive first-innings lead. In the second innings, opener Qamran Iqbal produced a marathon knock under pressure, forging key partnerships before bringing up a superb century.

Resuming the final day on 186/4, Iqbal went on to score an unbeaten 160, while Sahil Lotra capped a memorable match with his maiden first-class century, remaining 101 not out. Their unbroken stand shut the door on any slim hopes Karnataka had left, prompting the declaration and sealing the historic triumph.

Built on collective excellence—Pundir’s landmark century, Lotra’s composure with the bat and Auqib Nabi’s relentless bowling—Jammu & Kashmir displayed remarkable discipline and belief throughout their maiden final. After 67 years in India’s premier domestic tournament, they finally lifted the Ranji Trophy, marking a defining moment for cricket in the region.

Brief scores: Jammu & Kashmir 584 all out & 342/4 dec (Qamran Iqbal 160*, Sahil Lotra 101*; Prasidh Krishna 2-42) beat Karnataka 293 all out (Mayank Agarwal 160; Auqib Nabi Dar 5-54) on first-innings lead.

Witth inputs from IANS