Jammu Kashmir Dominate Karnataka on Day 2 of Ranji Final | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir strengthened their dominance in the Ranji Trophy Elite 2025–26 final with a commanding first-innings display against Karnataka at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground on Day 2.

Resuming from a strong overnight position, Jammu and Kashmir consolidated their advantage through disciplined batting and key contributions from both the middle and lower order. Karnataka, led by Devdutt Padikkal, made early breakthroughs on the second morning as Shubham Pundir’s innings of 121 came to an end, followed soon after by Abdul Samad.

Captain Paras Dogra, returning after retiring hurt on Day 1, stabilised the innings alongside wicketkeeper-batter Kanhaiya Wadhawan, with the pair rebuilding momentum through a crucial partnership. After their dismissals, Sahil Lotra added a composed half-century and shared an unbroken stand with Abid Mushtaq to carry the innings beyond the 500-run mark.

The day also saw a brief on-field altercation involving players from both sides before play was curtailed due to bad light and rain. Jammu and Kashmir ended the day firmly in control in their first Ranji Trophy final appearance in more than six decades, while eight-time champions Karnataka face a demanding response to remain in contention.

Jammu Kashmir scripted history on last week by storming into their maiden Ranji Trophy final with a commanding six-wicket victory over Bengal.

Brief scores: Jammu and Kashmir 527/6 in 156 overs (Shubham Pundir 121, Yawer Hassan 88, Paras Dogra 70, Kanhaiya Wadhawan 70, Sahil Lotra 54; Prasidh Krishna 3/90) vsKarnataka.