Srinagar: Karnataka reached 35/1 in 13 overs at Lunch on Day 3 of the ongoing Ranji Trophy Final 2026 against Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), as Mayank Agarwal (16)* and Devdutt Padikkal (4)* remained unbeaten at the crease.
The early breakthrough for J&K came in the 12th over, when KL Rahul was dismissed for 13 off 39 balls, providing a much-needed boost after Karnataka had bundled out J&K for a mammoth 584 runs in their first innings.
Earlier in the day, Jammu & Kashmir’s remarkable batting effort finally came to an end in the first session. Karnataka’s pace attack led the charge, with Prasidh Krishna dismissing Abid Mushtaq (28 off 50) and Vijaykumar Vyshak removing Sahil Lotra (72 off 138) to wrap up the innings.
At the close of play on Day 2, J&K were placed strongly at 527/6 in 156 overs, after bad light and rain forced early stumps. The first-time finalists dominated proceedings from Day 1, steadily piling pressure on Karnataka’s bowlers.
Karnataka seamers Vidyadhar Patil, Vijaykumar Vyshak and Prasidh Krishna staged a brief comeback on Day 2, producing disciplined spells and extracting movement to dismiss the well-set batters Shubham Pundir (121) and Abdul Samad (61).
However, J&K skipper Paras Dogra and Kanhaiya Wadhawan responded superbly, stitching together a crucial 110-run partnership. Dogra played a composed knock of 70 off 166 balls, decorated with eight boundaries, before falling to Shreyas Gopal. Wadhawan contributed a fluent 70 off 109 deliveries, including nine fours.
Play on Day 2 was marred by controversy, as Paras Dogra was involved in a heated exchange with Karnataka substitute fielder Aneesh, reportedly leading to a brief altercation following sledging.
With 584 on the board, Jammu & Kashmir have put Karnataka under immense pressure. Karnataka will now need quick wickets and disciplined bowling to stay competitive, as J&K aim to maintain control of their maiden Ranji Trophy final appearance.
