Srinagar, Feb 27: Jammu & Kashmir tightened their hold on the Ranji Trophy Elite 2025-26 final by bowling out Karnataka for 293, establishing a commanding 291-run first-innings lead as play continues on Day 4.
Karnataka’s innings revolved around a determined 160 from Mayank Agarwal, who occupied the crease for 266 balls and struck 21 boundaries in a display of grit and concentration. However, the absence of substantial contributions from the other end meant his effort stood in isolation as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Auqib Nabi Dar spearheaded the J&K attack with a clinical spell of 5 for 54. Consistently testing the batters with seam movement and control, he dismantled the middle order and wrapped up the tail to register his seventh five-wicket haul of the season, taking his overall tally to 60 wickets.
Sunil Kumar (2/51) and Yudhvir Singh Charak (2/55) complemented Nabi effectively, striking at crucial junctures to ensure Karnataka never built sustained momentum. The innings ended when Prasidh Krishna was caught at mid-on for 4.
Armed with a sizeable first-innings lead, J&K now control the tempo of the final, while Karnataka must produce an extraordinary fightback to keep their title hopes alive. (GNS)
