-1772269942177.webp)
Ranji Trophy Final: Jammu and Kashmir etched their name into Indian cricket history on Saturday, securing their maiden Ranji Trophy title at the KSCA Stadium in Hubli, beating eight-time champion Karnataka to secure the title on the basis of its first-innings lead.
Notably, Paras Dogra's team became just the ninth side in the tournament's illustrious history to lift the championship trophy in their maiden final appearance.
A stellar ton from opener Shubham Pundir laid the footing for J&K's authority, while Auqib Nabi's skilful bowling, including a season-best seventh five-wicket haul, further cemented their grip on the match.
Jammu and Kashmir's title victory was secured through a summed draw, built on a commanding 291-run first-innings lead over Karnataka. The team opened their advantage to 633 runs, declaring their second innings at 342/4 and leaving Karnataka with an unconquerable task.
Opener Qamran Iqbal's second first-class hundred (160 not out) and Sahil Lotra's maiden first-class ton (101 not out) contributed to the historical occasion. J&K's Ranji Trophy wait ended 67 years after their debut, with the team previously falling short in the quarterfinals in 2013-14, 2019-20, and 2024-25. Past disappointments.
Karnataka's ineptitude to claim a single wicket on the fifth day, after J&K resumed on 186/4, only served to underscore the tourists' commanding grip on the final.
Summary Of Day 5
Having secured a massive 291-run lead on Friday, J&K tightened their grip on the contest. Jammu and Kashmir's lead ballooned to 633 runs as Qamran Iqbal and Sahil Lotra anchored their second innings.
The match concluded with Jammu and Kashmir at 342/4, Iqbal on 160 and Lotra on 101, as the captains of both teams agreed to a draw.
Karnataka's reply to J&K's charging 584 was shortened as they were bowled out for 293 in 93.3 overs, with Auqib Nabi taking a five-wicket haul (5/54). J&K chose to bat again, rather than enforce the follow-on, ultimately batting Karnataka out of the contest.
This landmark victory etched J&K’s name in Indian cricket history by claiming its maiden Ranji Trophy title, 67 years after its debut in the tournament.