Hubballi, Feb 28 (JKNS): Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday etched their name in domestic cricket history by winning their first-ever Ranji Trophy title, overpowering eight-time champions Karnataka on the strength of a decisive first-innings lead in the drawn final.
As per news agency JKNS, featuring in their maiden Ranji final, J&K produced a commanding all-round performance to outclass their seasoned opponents. Replying to Karnataka’s first-innings total of 293, J&K piled up a massive 584 to seize firm control of the contest. They further consolidated their dominance by reaching 342/4 in the second innings, comfortably securing the title on aggregate advantage.
Celebrations erupted on the field as soon as the result was confirmed, with players breaking into jubilant dances to dhol beats. Head coach Ajay Sharma joined the squad in celebration, visibly elated at the team’s historic achievement.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who watched the match from the stands, applauded the players and shared in the moment of pride as the team ended a 67-year wait for the coveted domestic crown.
Shubham Pundir’s pivotal century laid the platform for the triumph, while pacer Auqib Nabi’s seventh five-wicket haul of the season kept Karnataka under sustained pressure. J&K’s disciplined execution with both bat and ball underlined their steady rise in India’s red-ball circuit.
The landmark victory signals a new era for cricket in the Union Territory, with Jammu and Kashmir emerging as deserving champions on the national stage. (JKNS)
