J&K script history, clinch maiden Ranji Trophy title

Jammu & Kashmir etched their name into Indian cricket history by clinching their maiden Ranji Trophy title after a commanding performance against Karnataka in the final at Hubli. The triumph, achieved through a decisive first-innings lead and a composed draw, marked the culmination of 67 years of participation in India’s premier domestic competition and sparked emotional celebrations across the region.
From the outset, Jammu & Kashmir seized control. Opting to bat first, they were anchored by Shubham Pundir’s unbeaten 117, the first century by a batter from the state in a Ranji final. Supported by Yawer Hassan (88) and Abdul Samad (52), the team closed Day 1 at 284/2, setting the tone for dominance. Day 2 saw further consolidation, with captain Paras Dogra, Kanhaiya Wadhawan (70), and Sahil Lotra (57) contributing to a mammoth total of 584. Despite Karnataka seamer Prasidh Krishna’s five-wicket haul, Jammu & Kashmir’s batting depth ensured no collapse, leaving their opponents under immense pressure. The bowlers then took charge. Auqib Nabi Dar produced a match-defining spell on Day 3, dismissing key Karnataka batters including KL Rahul and Karun Nair, reducing them to 57/4. Though Mayank Agarwal fought valiantly with a superb century, Karnataka never recovered. Lotra’s earlier 72 and other lower-order contributions had already reinforced Jammu & Kashmir’s dominance. By Day 4, Agarwal’s resistance ended at 160, and Karnataka were bowled out for 293. Nabi’s five-wicket haul secured a massive 291-run first-innings lead, effectively sealing the contest.
In their second innings, Jammu & Kashmir showed composure despite an early wobble at 11/2. Qamran Iqbal rose to the occasion, crafting a marathon 160 off 311 balls, displaying discipline and technical excellence. His partnerships with Paras Dogra, Abdul Samad, and later Sahil Lotra drained Karnataka’s hopes. Lotra capped his dream match with a maiden century, finishing unbeaten on 101 after his earlier 72. Their unbroken stand pushed the lead beyond 600 runs, prompting Dogra to declare at 342/4 on the final afternoon. With no realistic chance of a result, both captains agreed to a draw, handing Jammu & Kashmir the title.
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, Kruthik Krishna 36; Auqib Nabi Dar 5-54) with first-innings lead.
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CM Omar Abdullah announces Rs 2 crore reward, government jobs for J&K players
Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced a cash reward of Rs.2 crore and government job opportunities for the players and support staff of the state’s cricket team following their historic maiden Ranji Trophy triumph. Calling the achievement a “watershed moment” for cricket in the Union Territory, Abdullah emphasized the pride and inspiration the victory has brought to the region. The announcement was made after J&K defeated eight-time champions Karnataka in the final at Hubballi, securing the title on the basis of a massive first-innings lead.
The Chief Minister’s Office highlighted that the players will also benefit from government appointments under newly notified rules for outstanding sportspersons. The reward recognizes not only the team’s success but also its broader significance for the sporting ecosystem of Jammu & Kashmir.
J&K’s triumph was built on a monumental first-innings total of 584, anchored by Shubham Pundir’s century and strong contributions from the batting lineup. Karnataka’s resistance, led by Mayank Agarwal’s valiant 160, was undone by disciplined bowling spearheaded by Auqib Nabi Dar, who claimed five wickets. In the second innings, Qamran Iqbal and Sahil Lotra struck composed centuries to bat Karnataka out of contention, sealing a landmark victory under captain Paras Dogra’s leadership.