Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is making his way to Hubli, Karnataka, eager to witness what promises to be a watershed moment as his state edges closer to claiming their first-ever Ranji Trophy championship.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Abdullah expressed his enthusiasm about the journey: “On our way to Hubli to cheer the J&K cricket team as they play the final of the Ranji Trophy. They’ve already made lakhs of people so very proud of their achievements by reaching the final. I’m really looking forward to spending the day tomorrow in the stands cheering them on.”
J&K have reduced the Ranji Trophy final to a virtual procession, overwhelming Karnataka through relentless pressure across multiple sessions. The visitors dismissed their opponents for just 293 runs before amassing a staggering first-innings advantage of 291, seizing complete control of cricket’s most coveted domestic contest.
AUQIB NABI’S BRILLIANCE PUTS J&K ON TOP
The catalyst behind J&K’s stranglehold has been Auqib Nabi, whose exceptional 5/54 from 23 overs marked his seventh five-wicket haul this season. His incisive spell tore through Karnataka’s batting order, with only Mayank Agarwal offering meaningful resistance while his teammates crumbled under sustained pressure.
When J&K batted again, an early stumble at 11/2 threatened to derail their momentum before Qamran Iqbal produced a composed rescue act. The young opener’s unconventional batting style kept Karnataka’s attack perpetually off-balance as he forged vital half-century partnerships alongside Paras Dogra and Samad, pushing J&K’s lead into seemingly unassailable territory.
Qamran now stands tantalisingly close to three figures in the final, a potential century that would be etched in J&K cricket folklore. Sahil Lotra has provided steady support at the other end, helping extend the lead to a massive 477 runs.
Karnataka’s body language in the closing sessions reflected their dire predicament, appearing defeated and lacking any semblance of urgency in the field. The hosts seemed resigned to their fate as the match drifted through the final hours.
Despite this being their maiden final appearance, J&K have embraced the intense pressure with remarkable maturity and confidence, flourishing on domestic cricket’s grandest stage when it matters most.
One day now separates Jammu and Kashmir from immortality in Indian cricket—a triumph that would resonate across generations and cement their place in the tournament’s storied 91-year history.
