J&K reach 527/6 against Karnataka in Hubballi and edge closer to maiden Ranji Trophy title as bowlers await their chance on a placid surface

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Jammu & Kashmir are on the brink of scripting history in the Ranji Trophy final, piling up a commanding 527 for 6 in 156 overs against Karnataka cricket team in Hubballi. With one strong bowling performance, J&K could seal their maiden Ranji Trophy title. However, the flat surface has offered very little assistance to bowlers, setting up a stern test of patience and discipline.

Solid Batting Display Powers J&K Past 500

On a slow-moving second day, Paras Dogra, Kanhaiya Wadhawan and Sahil Lotra produced gritty half-centuries to strengthen Jammu & Kashmir’s grip on the final. Their collective effort ensured the team crossed the 500-run mark, putting enormous scoreboard pressure on Karnataka.

Bad light brought an early end to proceedings with over an hour of play remaining, but not before J&K had firmly established control at 527/6.

Early Drama and Tense Exchanges

The day began with drama when Paras Dogra, frustrated by constant sledging from close-in fielders, reacted with a headbutt involving substitute fielder KV Aneesh. The incident sparked heated exchanges, particularly between Karnataka captain Mayank Agarwal and Dogra, before umpires stepped in to calm tempers.

Despite the confrontation and a relentless short-ball attack led by Prasidh Krishna, Dogra showcased remarkable resilience. Frequently struck on the body, he battled through discomfort to compile a vital half-century.

Karnataka Strike Early but J&K Recover

Karnataka made early inroads, removing overnight centurion Shubham Pundir and Abdul Samad in quick succession. Pundir added just five runs to his overnight 117 before falling, while Samad edged a sharp delivery from Prasidh as J&K slipped from 282/2 to 307/4 inside the first hour.

Just when Karnataka appeared to be clawing back momentum, Dogra returned to the crease after having retired hurt on the opening day. His partnership with Kanhaiya Wadhawan steadied the innings.

Wadhawan’s Fortune and Determination

Wadhawan counterattacked smartly, piercing gaps through slip and gully while negotiating movement with soft hands. He survived a close lbw call against legspinner Shreyas Gopal, with DRS revealing a faint glove touch.

Further reprieves followed as Karnataka missed key chances — including a stumping opportunity by wicketkeeper Kruthik Krishna and a difficult return catch by Vyshak Vijaykumar. Wadhawan eventually fell for 70 after a superb juggling catch at slip by KL Rahul ended a 110-run stand.

Lotra Seizes Opportunity in Final

Sahil Lotra, drafted into the XI following a late injury to Vanshaj Sharma, grabbed his opportunity with composure. Partnering Dogra and later Abid Mushtaq, he ensured that J&K’s momentum remained intact.

Dogra, who recently crossed the 10,000-run milestone in the Ranji Trophy, also went past 600 runs this season. He looked increasingly confident against spin before falling to a clever googly from Gopal, which rolled back onto the stumps.

Lotra continued strongly, raising his half-century and adding 56 runs for the seventh wicket before deteriorating light conditions halted play. With fast bowlers brought back into the attack, umpires were forced to use the light meter, eventually calling stumps early.

What Lies Ahead in the Ranji Trophy Final?

With 527 runs on the board, Jammu & Kashmir hold the advantage. Yet, the Hubballi pitch remains largely unresponsive, offering minimal assistance to bowlers. For J&K to secure their historic maiden Ranji Trophy crown, their bowling unit must produce a disciplined and relentless performance.

The stage is now set for a fascinating contest — can Jammu & Kashmir complete the job and lift their first-ever Ranji Trophy title?