Jammu & Kashmir 284 for 2 (Pundir 117*, Yawer 88, Samad 52*, Prasidh 2/36) vs Karnataka on Day 1 of Ranji Trophy Final
It was a complete show for Jammu and Kashmir on Day 1 of the Ranji Trophy final against Karnataka as they seized control with discipline and authority. Shubham Pundir anchored the innings with a brilliant unbeaten 117, showing poise and command, while Abdul Samad provided able support with an aggressive but confident 52 not out. Their unbroken partnership ensured that Karnataka were kept at bay during the final session, putting J&K in a position of strength and firm control over the stumps.
Karnataka vs J&K, Ranji Trophy: Highlights of Day 1
After winning the toss and electing to bat, J&K soon had to work hard. Prasidh Krishna provided the initial breakthrough, removing Qamran Iqbal for 6 off 36 balls in the 11th over. For a short spell, Karnataka’s seamers found movement and repeatedly tested the outside edge with the new ball. However, once that phase was over, their early advantage ended as J&K settled and gradually took the lead.
Yawer Hassan joined Pundir and slowly pushed the pace. The pair absorbed the early pressure before starting to score with more freedom. By lunch, J&K had advanced to 104 for 1 in 34 overs as they dulled the new ball and settled into their rhythm. Hassan, who has endured a lean run this season, looked assured from the start. Once the spinners were in, he refused to let them settle, exploiting the depths of the crease and playing confidently off the back foot.
The second wicket stand between Hassan and Pundir put up 139 runs and laid the foundation for today’s dominance. Hassan eventually fell for a smooth 88 off 150 balls, dismissed by Prasidh, who consistently attacked the outside edge and stood out among the Karnataka bowlers.
However, Pundir rarely looked worried. Strong on both feet, he wanted to play straight and on the ground. Cleverly converted the strike and punished anything kicked over. On a surface that offered little help to the bowlers, he batted with insight and control, bringing up a composed century in the final.
In a rare setback for Jammu and Kashmir, captain Paras Dogra was forced to retire injured after being bowled short in the final over. His fitness would be an issue on Day 2, but the arrival of Abdul Samad ensured there was no drop in momentum. Samad settled in quickly, counter-attacked with confidence, brought up a fluent half-century and remained unbeaten at the end of the game alongside Pundir to further cement the team’s strong position.
J&K’s leading run-scorer has mixed caution with aggression this season, choosing his moments carefully. When he struck, he followed it up with more scoring strikes, ensuring the bowlers had no quiet passages to build pressure.
Karnataka’s pacers continued to engage and beat the outside edge on several occasions. However, a lack of movement off the pitch meant few chances were created. The spinners struggled to stem the flow of runs and wickets were lost. Only Prasidh Krishna consistently troubled the batsmen and ended the day with two wickets to his name.
Karnataka will need a much better showing in the morning session to fight their way back to the final. At 284 for 2, with Pundir and Samad set well and Dogra expected to continue if they are fit, Jammu and Kashmir are well placed to make a substantial first innings tally.
– The end
Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
February 24, 2026
