Jammu and Kashmir scripts history; defeats Karnataka to win first-ever Ranji Trophy title

Mangalore Today News Network

Hubballi, Feb 28, 2026: Jammu and Kashmir created history by winning their maiden Ranji Trophy title in 67 years at the KSCA Stadium on Saturday.

J&K’s batters continued to frustrate Karnataka on the final day, playing out a wicketless first session and extending it into another without losing a wicket to swell their already massive second-innings lead to 635.

Opener Qamran Iqbal struck a brilliant century, while Sahil Lotra brought up his maiden First-Class hundred as the first-time finalists added 343 runs to their first-innings lead of 291. Karnataka’s bowlers toiled for more than 113 overs in the second innings after having already spent over 173 overs in the field earlier in the match.

In what appeared to be a move of resignation, captain Devdutt Padikkal even turned to India wicketkeeper KL Rahul for a few overs. Rahul managed to create a chance in the first session, but it was dropped at first slip.

The Paras Dogra-led J&K dominated proceedings across all five days. After opting to bat first, they posted a mammoth 584, powered by a century from Shubham Pundir.

Five other batters — opener Yawer Hassan, Dogra, Abdul Samad, Kanhiya Wadhawan and Lotra — contributed half-centuries to underline their dominance.

For Karnataka, international pacer Prasidh Krishna was the lone bright spot, claiming five wickets in an otherwise underwhelming bowling performance.

The hosts’ hopes faded on Day 3 following a dramatic top-order collapse, despite Mayank Agarwal standing firm at one end. Reduced to 57 for 4 by Auquib Nabi Dar — the season’s leading wicket-taker with 55 scalps — Karnataka were left facing a mountain too steep to climb.

Nabi eventually completed a well-deserved five-wicket haul as Karnataka were bowled out for 293, with 160 of those runs coming from Agarwal’s bat.

J&K then enforced further misery by asking Karnataka to bowl again, batting on to ensure a draw and sealing the title by virtue of their commanding first-innings lead.