Jammu and Kashmir Secures Historic Maiden Ranji Trophy Title via First-Innings Lead
HUBLI: Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) etched a permanent mark in domestic cricket history on Saturday, claiming their first-ever Ranji Trophy title at the KSCA Stadium. In a contest defined by tactical discipline and statistical milestones, J&K overcame eight-time champions Karnataka based on a decisive 291-run first-innings lead after the final ended in a draw.
The victory marks the culmination of a breakout season for J&K, a team that previously reached the quarterfinals in the 2013-14, 2019-20, and 2024-25 seasons but had yet to secure the championship. The triumph over a heavyweight Karnataka side—featuring veterans like Mayank Agarwal—signals a power shift in the Indian domestic circuit.
Match Report: Dominance in Hubli
While the match officially concluded in a stalemate, the rules of the Ranji Trophy final award the title to the team holding the first-innings advantage if an outright result is not achieved. J&K’s massive lead of 291 runs in the first essay proved insurmountable for the hosts.
In the second innings, J&K batted Karnataka out of the game, finishing at 342/4. The final day was highlighted by a marathon knock from opener Qamran Iqbal, who remained unbeaten on 160. He was supported by Sahil Lotra, who recorded his maiden First-Class century, finishing 101 not out. The duo ensured Karnataka took no wickets on the final day, resuming from an overnight score of 186/4.
Ranji Trophy Final: Match Summary
| Team | Innings | Score / Result |
|---|---|---|
| Jammu & Kashmir | 1st Innings Lead | +291 runs |
| Karnataka | Top Scorer | Mayank Agarwal (160) |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 2nd Innings | 342/4 (Qamran Iqbal 160*, Sahil Lotra 101*) |
| Result | Winner | J&K (via 1st Innings Lead) |
Paras Dogra Crosses 10,000 Runs
The final was also a landmark event for J&K skipper Paras Dogra. The veteran middle-order batter crossed the elite 10,000-run mark in Ranji Trophy cricket, cementing his status as one of the most consistent performers in Indian domestic history. His leadership and experience were critical in guiding a relatively young squad through high-pressure knockout games.
Contributions from Yawer Hassan, Abdul Samad, and Kanhaiya Wadhawan, who all scored half-centuries during the knockouts, underscored the team’s collective batting depth.
Auqib Nabi: The Architect of Victory
The pace attack was led by Auqib Nabi, whose bowling performance defined the latter half of the season. Nabi claimed a five-wicket haul in the final, marking his seventh fifer of the season. His ability to extract movement and dismantle established batting lineups was pivotal in both the semifinal and the final.
In the semifinal against Bengal at Kalyani, J&K faced a deficit after the first innings. Nabi’s spell demolished Bengal for just 88 runs in their second essay, setting the stage for a successful chase anchored by Shubham Pundir‘s century (584 runs).
Legacy and Impact
For the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), this title justifies years of infrastructural development and scouting. The victory over Karnataka—a team with nine titles—demonstrates that teams from the Plate and lower Elite groups can compete with traditional powerhouses through superior game management.
“This win is for the people of J&K who have supported us through decades of near-misses,” said Auqib Nabi post-match. The result is expected to accelerate cricket development in the region, inspiring a new generation of players to emulate the feats of Dogra, Nabi, and Samad.