Jammu and Kashmir have won the Ranji Trophy for the first time in their history. They beat Karnataka to lift the title after a long wait of 67 years.
Paras Dogra led his team to the biggest moment in the state’s cricket history. Jammu and Kashmir took control of the final with a huge first innings total and never looked back.
They scored 584 runs in their first innings. Shubham Pundir made a fine 121 and led the batting effort. The lower order also added useful runs. The team batted for more than 173 overs and wore down the Karnataka bowlers.
In reply, Karnataka struggled under pressure. Their strong batting line up, which included KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal, failed to build big partnerships. Auqib Nabi led the bowling attack with 5 for 54. He bowled with pace and control.
Mayank Agarwal fought hard for Karnataka. He scored 160 and tried to keep his team in the match. But the rest of the batters could not support him. Karnataka were bowled out for 293. They trailed by 291 runs after the first innings.
Jammu and Kashmir decided not to enforce the follow on. They chose to bat again and put the game beyond Karnataka’s reach.
In the second innings, Qamran Iqbal and Sahil Lotra took charge. Both scored unbeaten centuries. Qamran made 160 not out. Sahil stayed unbeaten on 101. The team reached 342 for 4 before the captains agreed to end the match.
The final day at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground had little drama. Jammu and Kashmir batted calmly and removed any chance of a comeback.
When the captains shook hands on Day 5, celebrations began in the Jammu and Kashmir camp. The long wait that started with their debut in 1959 finally ended with a historic title win.
Several special guests watched the moment. J and K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and BCCI President Mithun Manhas were present in Hubballi to support the team.
This victory marks a new chapter for cricket in Jammu and Kashmir.
