News Flash Daily
28 February 
History Written in Hubballi as Jammu & Kashmir Clinch Maiden Ranji Trophy Title via First-Innings Lead Against Karnataka
Hubballi: In a historic moment for Indian domestic cricket, the Jammu & Kashmir cricket team was crowned Ranji Trophy champions for the first time in 67 years, defeating Karnataka based on a first-innings lead in the Ranji Trophy final held in Hubballi. Although the five-day final ended in a draw, Jammu & Kashmir’s dominance across departments sealed a landmark triumph in the 2025–26 season.
This victory marks a defining chapter in Jammu & Kashmir’s cricketing journey, as the team lifted India’s premier domestic title for the first time since making their Ranji Trophy debut in the 1959–60 season.
Dominant First Innings Sets the Tone
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Jammu & Kashmir posted a massive 584 runs in their first innings. The innings was anchored by a commanding century from Shubham Pundir, who struck 121 runs, laying a solid foundation for his side.
In response, Karnataka were bundled out for 293, thanks largely to a sensational bowling performance by pace spearhead Auqib Nabi, who claimed a five-wicket haul. The effort handed Jammu & Kashmir a decisive first-innings lead that ultimately proved match-defining.
For Karnataka, veteran batter Mayank Agarwal stood tall with a brilliant 160, the lone standout contribution in an otherwise subdued innings.
Second Innings Control and Declaration
In the second innings, Jammu & Kashmir continued their authoritative display. Centuries from Kamran Iqbal and Sahil Lotra pushed the team’s overall lead to an unassailable 633 runs, after adding 291 more runs.
Captain Paras Dogra later declared the innings, and the match officially ended in a draw on Day 5, with Jammu & Kashmir securing victory by virtue of their first-innings advantage.
Key Contributions Across the Board
- Shubham Pundir: 121 (1st innings)
- Kamran Iqbal: 160 (2nd innings)
- Sahil Lotra: 72 & 101
- Half-centuries from Paras Dogra, Abdul Samad, Yawar Hassan, and Kanhaiya Wadhawan
- With the ball, Auqib Nabi led the attack, while Sunil Kumar and Yudhvir Singh picked up two wickets each. Abid Mushtaq impressed with his economical spell.
From Underdogs to Champions
Once regarded as underdogs and a team struggling against heavyweight opponents, Jammu & Kashmir’s title win signals their rise as a new powerhouse in Indian domestic cricket, achieved through consistency, depth, and collective performance.
“This victory belongs to every player, coach, and supporter who believed in Jammu & Kashmir cricket through the years,” a senior team official said after the historic win.
CM Witnesses Historic Moment
Adding to the occasion, Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, was present at the stadium on the final day. He congratulated the players and support staff, calling the triumph a proud moment for the entire region.
