Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) seized firm control of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final against eight-time champions Karnataka on Day 3 at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground, leaving the hosts staring at a massive first-innings deficit.
J&K, appearing in their maiden Ranji final, were bowled out for a commanding 584 in 173.1 overs early on Day 3, adding 57 runs to their overnight 527/6. Shubham Pundir top-scored with a gritty 121 (off 247 balls, 12 fours, 2 sixes), while contributions came from Paras Dogra (70), Kanhaiya Wadhawan (70), Sahil Lotra (72 off 138 balls, including 8 fours), and others. Karnataka pacer Prasidh Krishna claimed a five-wicket haul (5/98) but toiled on a largely placid pitch. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
In reply, Karnataka’s batting lineup crumbled against J&K’s disciplined seam attack, led by pacer Auqib Nabi, who delivered a devastating spell of 3/32 in 14 overs. Nabi dismantled the top order, dismissing KL Rahul, Karun Nair, and season’s leading run-scorer R Smaran around the lunch interval, reducing Karnataka to 57/4 as the ball swung and seamed effectively.
Opener Mayank Agarwal mounted a lone resistance with an unbeaten 130 (off 207 balls, 17 fours), anchoring the innings and preventing a complete collapse. At stumps on Day 3, Karnataka were 220/5 in 69 overs, still trailing by a hefty 364 runs. Kruthik Krishna remained unbeaten on 27* alongside Agarwal.
The day highlighted J&K’s superior bowling intensity and accuracy on a surface that offered little earlier, contrasting Karnataka’s struggles. With only the tailenders left, Karnataka face an uphill battle to avoid the follow-on and force a contest on Day 4.
This historic final sees underdogs J&K pushing for a maiden title against a star-studded Karnataka side featuring multiple Test players. Play resumes tomorrow, with J&K firmly in the driver’s seat.
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