Ranji Trophy Final: J&K Seizes Control Despite Mayank Agarwal’s Century
HUBBALLI – Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) dominated Day 3 of the Ranji Trophy final at the KSCA Rajnagar Stadium, reducing Karnataka to 220/5 in response to a massive first-innings total of 584. While Karnataka opener Mayank Agarwal stood firm with an unbeaten 130, the home side ended the day trailing by 364 runs, facing a steep challenge to stay in title contention.
Auqib Nabi Dismantles Star-Studded Top Order
The pitch, which appeared docile during the first two days, offered significant movement for the J&K pacers. Unlike the Karnataka attack, which labored for 173.1 overs to dismiss the visitors, J&K’s bowlers utilized the conditions to devastating effect. Strike bowler Auqib Nabi (3/32) delivered a precise spell that unraveled a batting lineup featuring four Test-capped players.
Nabi’s impact was immediate and clinical. In a decisive phase around the lunch break, he removed KL Rahul, Karun Nair, and the season’s leading run-scorer, R Smaran. Rahul, who took 15 balls to get off the mark, fell to a late-moving delivery that induced a faint edge to wicketkeeper Kanhaiya Wadhawan. This breakthrough exposed the middle order to the swinging red ball.
Shortly after Rahul’s departure, Karnataka skipper Devdutt Padikkal succumbed to pressure, edging a delivery from Sunil Kumar to Abdul Samad in the slips. Karun Nair followed, misjudging the line of a sharp inswinger from Nabi that crashed into his off stump. When Smaran edged a back-of-a-length delivery to Wadhawan, Karnataka collapsed to 57/4, silencing the home crowd.
Agarwal Anchors Survival Bid
Amid the top-order collapse, Mayank Agarwal displayed exceptional composure. The opener countered the swing by playing late and driving firmly into the gaps. His unbeaten 130 served as the sole resistance for Karnataka for the majority of the day.
- Partnership Resilience: Agarwal found brief support from Shreyas Gopal (27), who helped stabilize the innings before falling LBW to Yudhvir Singh.
- Current Stand: Wicketkeeper Kruthik Krishna (27*) joined Agarwal late in the day, ensuring no further wickets fell before stumps.
The pair must navigate a massive deficit on Day 4. The J&K bowlers, characterized by their discipline and seam movement, have placed the visitors in a commanding position to push for a historic title win.
First Innings Wrap: Prasidh Krishna Claims Five
Earlier in the day, J&K resumed their innings at 527/6 and added 57 runs before being bowled out for 584. Karnataka pacer Prasidh Krishna was the standout bowler for the hosts, claiming a five-wicket haul (5/98) despite the heavy workload.
Match Summary: Day 3 Stumps
| Team | Innings | Score | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jammu & Kashmir | 1st Innings | 584 all out | (Overs: 173.1) |
| Karnataka | 1st Innings | 220/5 | M. Agarwal 130*, A. Nabi 3/32 |
| Status | Karnataka trails by 364 runs | ||
The match continues tomorrow as Karnataka attempts to bridge the deficit and save the final.