Srinagar, Feb 28: Jammu & Kashmir scripted history by clinching their maiden Ranji Trophy title after securing a first-innings lead over Karnataka in the 2025-26 final, as the summit clash ended in a draw.
In their first-ever appearance in a Ranji Trophy final, J&K, as per GNS, delivered a commanding performance with both bat and ball to outplay the eight-time champions.
Riding on a massive first-innings total of 584, J&K put Karnataka under sustained pressure, restricting them to 293 and earning a decisive advantage that ultimately sealed the championship.
Centuries from Qamran Iqbal (160*) and Sahil Lotra (101*) underlined J&K’s batting dominance. The duo stitched together a crucial 197-run partnership that consolidated the innings and ensured Karnataka remained on the back foot throughout the contest.
Earlier in the match, J&K’s bowlers set the tone with disciplined spells, denying Karnataka any significant momentum.
With time running out on the final day, captain Paras Dogra declared the second innings at 342/4, shortly after 2:10 PM local time, prompting handshakes between the teams. The drawn result confirmed J&K as champions by virtue of their first-innings lead.
Celebrations followed as players and support staff marked a landmark moment in the region’s cricketing history. For a side that had waited decades for such an opportunity, the triumph represents a significant milestone and a testament to their steady rise in India’s premier domestic red-ball competition.
