Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi delivered a devastating opening spell to leave Jammu and Kashmir firmly in control of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final against Karnataka at the KSCA Hubballi Cricket Ground on Thursday.
After posting a commanding 584 in their first innings, Jammu and Kashmir struck early with the ball as Nabi tore through Karnataka’s top order, reducing the hosts to 220/5 at stumps on Day 3, despite a resolute unbeaten century from Mayank Agarwal.
Nabi’s Triple Strike Rocks Karnataka
The 29-year-old right-arm pacer produced a relentless opening burst, returning figures of 3 for 32 in 14 overs, including nine consecutive overs in his opening spell. His probing lines and movement immediately unsettled Karnataka’s star-studded batting lineup.
Nabi drew first blood by removing India opener KL Rahul, before delivering a double blow in successive deliveries. He trapped Karun Nair with a vicious delivery that jagged back to clip the top of off stump and then dismissed the in-form Smaran Ravichandran with the very next ball, plunging Karnataka into deep trouble.
Mayank Agarwal’s Lone Resistance
Veteran opener Mayank Agarwal stood firm amid the collapse, crafting a determined 130 not out off 207 balls, anchoring Karnataka’s innings with solid defensive technique. He also rode his luck, surviving a difficult chance when dropped on 124.
However, despite Agarwal’s resistance, Karnataka remained 364 runs behind at close of play and still require 165 runs to avoid the follow-on, leaving Jammu and Kashmir within touching distance of a historic maiden Ranji Trophy title.
Historic Moment for J&K Cricket
Having made their Ranji Trophy debut in 1959-60, Jammu and Kashmir are contesting their first-ever final, capping off a remarkable campaign. Nabi has been their standout performer throughout the season, and his latest three-wicket haul has taken his tournament tally to 58 wickets, just one short of Uttarakhand spinner Mayank Mishra’s leading count of 59.
With momentum firmly on their side, Jammu and Kashmir now stand on the brink of scripting history in Indian domestic cricket.
Brief Scores
Jammu and Kashmir: 584 all out (173.1 overs)
Shubham Pundir 121, Yawer Hassan 88, Sahil Lotra 72, Paras Dogra 70, Kanhaiya Wadhawan 70; Prasidh Krishna 5/98
Karnataka: 220/5 (69 overs)
Mayank Agarwal 130, Auqib Nabi 3/32
