Jammu Kashmir Dominate Opening Day of Ranji Final | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir finished Day 1 of the Ranji Trophy Elite 2025-26 final in a commanding position, posting 284/2 against Karnataka at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground.

With eight wickets in hand, they hold the initiative in their first Ranji final appearance in more than six decades.

The innings was anchored by Shubham Pundir, who remained unbeaten on a composed 117 from 221 balls, while Abdul Samad provided acceleration with a brisk 52 not out off 67 deliveries to carry J&K into a position of strength by stumps.

Earlier, Jammu Kashmir chose to bat after winning the toss but were tested early by Karnataka’s pace attack. Qamran Iqbal departed for 6 at 18/1 before Yawer Hassan and Pundir rebuilt the innings through a vital 139-run stand for the second wicket, weathering pressure before capitalising on scoring opportunities.

Hassan compiled a patient 88 off 150 balls, striking 13 boundaries, before Prasidh Krishna secured the breakthrough by inducing an outside edge that was safely taken at slip by KL Rahul after a third-umpire review. Prasidh returned figures of 2/36 and also unsettled captain Paras Dogra, who retired hurt on 9 after being struck.