Srinagar, Feb 28, KDC: Jammu & Kashmir scripted history by winning their maiden Ranji Trophy title, defeating eight-time champions Karnataka on the basis of a massive first-innings lead in the final.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha took to X to congratulate the team, expressing deep pride in their achievement.
“J&K’s finest hour has arrived! Emotions surging beyond words as I watch our cricket team claiming the Ranji Trophy. To every fierce player who carved history through sheer grit: thank you from the entire UT beaming with pride. You have immortalized history—embrace it with honour,” the LG posted.
He further credited the sporting progress in the Union Territory to initiatives undertaken in recent years.
“I’m grateful for UT’s sporting revolution ignited under Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s leadership post-2019. To all youth: let this blaze ignite your horizon—train relentlessly and fiercely. Build on this win to pioneer eras of dominance. J&K’s unstoppable future starts with you,” he added.
After securing a commanding 291-run lead in the first innings, J&K tightened their grip on the contest and never allowed Karnataka a realistic chance to stage a comeback. Karnataka’s only route back into the match was to dismiss J&K cheaply in the second innings and set up a challenging chase. They struck early to reduce J&K to 11/2, but that was as close as they came to regaining control.
Opener Qamran Iqbal weathered the new-ball burst and rebuilt the innings with composure. He stitched successive half-century partnerships with Paras Dogra and Abdul Samad to steady the ship. Later, Qamran and Sahil Lotra completely shut the door on Karnataka with a patient and calculated approach.
Both Qamran Iqbal and Sahil Lotra scored magnificent centuries in the second innings, putting the match beyond Karnataka’s reach. From the latter half of Day 4 onwards, the game drifted toward an inevitable conclusion as Karnataka appeared resigned to the outcome.
At 2:12 PM local time, skipper Paras Dogra declared the innings, triggering jubilant celebrations. With the first-innings advantage firmly in their favour, both captains shook hands, confirming J&K’s historic triumph.
The players celebrated to the beats of the dhol as emotions poured out on the field. Head coach Ajay Sharma was seen smiling broadly, sharing in the historic moment, while dignitaries in attendance applauded the team’s remarkable achievement.
This victory marks J&K’s first-ever Ranji Trophy title in 67 years of participation. Playing their maiden final against a seasoned Karnataka side was a daunting challenge, but J&K displayed remarkable composure, skill, and belief throughout the contest.
Shubham Pundir’s century in the first innings laid the foundation for the big lead, while Auqib Nabi’s seventh five-wicket haul of the season pushed Karnataka firmly onto the back foot.
With a dominant performance in both batting and bowling, Jammu & Kashmir have etched their name in domestic cricket history. (KDC)
