Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah heads to Hubli, Karnataka, eager to witness what promises to be a watershed moment as his state moves closer to winning its maiden Ranji Trophy championship.
RANJI TROPHY FINAL, KARNATAKA vs J&K DAY 4: HIGHLIGHTS
Abdullah on X (formerly Twitter) expressed his excitement about the trip: “On my way to Hubli to cheer on the J&K cricket team as they play the Ranji Trophy final. They have already made thousands of people so very proud of their achievements by reaching the final. Really looking forward to spending tomorrow in the stands cheering them on.”
J&K reduced the Ranji Trophy final to a virtual procession, overwhelming Karnataka with relentless pressure in several sessions. The visitors dismissed their opponents for just 293 runs before amassing a stunning first innings lead of 291 to take complete control of cricket’s most coveted domestic competition.
AUQIB NABI’S BRILLIANCE PUT J&K ON TOP
Rear catalytic converter J&K pinch hitter was Auqib Nabiwhose exceptional 5/54 from 23 overs marked his seventh five-wicket haul of the season. His incisive spell tore through Karnataka’s batting order with only Mayank Agarwal putting up meaningful resistance as his teammates crumbled under constant pressure.
As 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 constantly off balance as he forged vital half-century partnerships alongside him. Paras Dogra and Samad, pushing the J&K leadership into seemingly unassailable territory.
Qamran now stands tantalizingly close to three figures in the final, a potential century that would go down in J&K cricketing folklore. Sahil Lotra provided steady support at the other end and helped extend the lead to a massive 477 runs.
Karnataka’s body language in the closing sessions reflected their dire situation, looking defeated and lacking any semblance of urgency in the field. The home side seemed to have resigned themselves to their fate as the game entered its final hours.
Despite this being their first finals appearance, J&K have embraced the intense pressure with remarkable maturity and confidence, flourishing on domestic cricket’s biggest stage when it matters most.
A 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 91-year history.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
27 Feb 2026 18:25 IST
