Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Jammu & Kashmir scripted one of the most remarkable chapters in domestic cricket history, clinching their maiden Ranji Trophy title after securing a decisive first-innings lead and forcing a draw against eight-time champions Karnataka in the final at Hubli on February 28.
Led by commanding performances with both bat and ball across five days, Jammu & Kashmir outplayed Karnataka in every department, building an insurmountable 291-run first-innings advantage before declaring their second innings at 342/4 on the final afternoon. With no realistic chance of forcing a result, both captains agreed to shake hands, sparking emotional celebrations among the Jammu & Kashmir players, support staff and fans as the long wait for domestic cricket’s biggest prize finally ended.
The visitors seized early control after opting to bat, powered by a historic century from Shubham Pundir, whose unbeaten 117 anchored Jammu & Kashmir to 284/2 at stumps on the opening day. Pundir became the first batter from the state to score a century in a Ranji Trophy final, displaying patience and authority against a disciplined Karnataka attack.
He found strong support from Yawer Hassan (88) and Abdul Samad (52 not out), with the latter contributing a fluent half-century as Jammu & Kashmir dominated all three sessions to establish early ascendancy. Jammu & Kashmir extended their dominance on Day 2, riding on crucial contributions from multiple batters. Captain Paras Dogra struck a resolute half-century, while Kanhaiya Wadhawan (70) and Sahil Lotra (57 not out) ensured the momentum remained firmly with the visitors.
