Jammu & Kashmir Clinch Maiden Ranji Trophy Title After Stunning Victory Over Karnataka

Hubbali, Feb 2026 : Jammu & Kashmir scripted history on Saturday, winning their maiden Ranji Trophy title in a remarkable display of skill, composure, and teamwork at the Hubli Cricket Ground. Facing eight-time champions Karnataka in the final, the visitors secured a decisive first-innings lead and forced a draw in the second innings to claim the ultimate prize in Indian domestic cricket.

From the outset, Jammu & Kashmir set the tone. After electing to bat, opener Shubham Pundir produced a historic century, remaining unbeaten on 117 to guide his side to 284/2 by stumps on Day 1. Pundir became the first batter from the state to score a century in a Ranji final, demonstrating patience, technique, and authority against a disciplined Karnataka bowling attack. His innings received strong support from Yawer Hassan (88) and Abdul Samad (52 not out), as Jammu & Kashmir dominated all sessions on the opening day.

Day 2 saw the team continue to consolidate its position, with captain Paras Dogra scoring a crucial half-century and contributions from Kanhaiya Wadhawan (70) and Sahil Lotra (57 not out) ensuring the momentum remained firmly with the visitors. Despite a five-wicket haul from Karnataka seamer Prasidh Krishna, Jammu & Kashmir amassed a formidable 584 all out, putting Karnataka under sustained pressure. Lotra’s calm and mature innings highlighted the team’s depth and collective resilience.

On Day 3, Jammu & Kashmir’s bowlers delivered a match-defining performance. Auqib Nabi Dar struck decisively, claiming key scalps including KL Rahul, Karun Nair, and Smaran Ravichandran, reducing Karnataka to 57/4 at one point. Though Karnataka captain Mayank Agarwal mounted a spirited rearguard with an unbeaten 130, Jammu & Kashmir retained control of the contest, building on their commanding first-innings total.

Day 4 confirmed Jammu & Kashmir’s dominance. Karnataka were bowled out for 293, leaving the visitors a monumental 291-run first-innings lead, effectively deciding the outcome. Auqib Nabi finished with an outstanding five-wicket haul, earning praise for his relentless seam bowling and strategic impact.

The final day showcased the brilliance of Jammu & Kashmir’s batting lineup. Resuming at 186/4, opener Qamran Iqbal played a masterclass under pressure, compiling an unbeaten 160 off 311 balls. His partnerships with Dogra, Samad, and particularly Sahil Lotra, who scored his maiden first-class century of 101 not out, completely stifled Karnataka’s hopes. Their unbroken 342-run stand extended Jammu & Kashmir’s dominance, prompting Dogra to declare at 342/4 and formally seal the match.

Jammu & Kashmir’s triumph was a testament to collective excellence. While Pundir’s historic century laid the foundation, Lotra’s batting maturity and Auqib Nabi’s incisive bowling ensured the team dictated terms from start to finish. The side displayed remarkable discipline, composure, and belief throughout their maiden Ranji final, defying nerves and rising to the occasion against one of India’s most successful domestic teams.

After 67 years of participation in India’s premier domestic tournament, Jammu & Kashmir finally lifted the Ranji Trophy, creating a historic and emotional milestone for cricket in the region. Fans, players, and support staff celebrated a victory that will be remembered for generations.

Brief scores: Jammu & Kashmir 584 & 342/4 dec (Qamran Iqbal 160*, Sahil Lotra 101*; Prasidh Krishna 2-42) beat Karnataka 293 all out (Mayank Agarwal 160, Kruthik Krishna 36; Auqib Nabi Dar 5-54) with first-innings lead.