Hubballi: Jammu and Kashmir tightened their grip on their maiden Ranji Trophy final with a commanding all-round display on Day 3, but a defiant century from Mayank Agarwal ensured Karnataka stayed afloat at stumps.
J&K post mammoth 584
Resuming with intent, J&K rode on a fluent 72 from Sahil Lotra and a spirited cameo by Yudhvir Singh Charak to post a formidable 584 all out. Karnataka’s bowlers were made to toil for nearly 180 overs, draining both energy and morale on a flat surface that offered little respite.
Auqib Nabi’s fiery spell rocks Karnataka
In reply, talismanic pacer Auqib Nabi produced a devastating spell that swung the momentum firmly J&K’s way. He dismissed KL Rahul, Karun Nair, and Smaran Ravichandran in a breathtaking burst, each delivery more unplayable than the last.
From the other end, Sunil Kumar removed Devdutt Padikkal, reducing Karnataka to a precarious 57/4 and firmly handing control to the first-time finalists.
Just when J&K looked set to run away with the contest, Agarwal produced a captain’s knock of the highest quality. Displaying composure and resilience, he stitched together a vital 105-run partnership with Shreyas Gopal to steady the innings.
After Gopal’s departure, Agarwal found another dependable ally in Kruthik Krishna, adding an unbeaten 58-run stand to further frustrate the J&K attack.
The day wasn’t without drama. Agarwal survived an LBW scare after a sharp-turning delivery was adjudged to be sliding down leg, and he was also handed a lifeline when an edge went down behind the stumps. Battling visible exhaustion and even requiring on-field treatment for a hamstring concern, he stood tall when his side needed him most.
At the close of play, Karnataka reached 220/5, still trailing by 364 runs. With Agarwal unbeaten and Kruthik holding firm, the responsibility now rests heavily on the last recognised batting pair before the tail begins.
J&K in the driver’s seat
Despite Agarwal’s heroics, Jammu and Kashmir remain firmly in control. With Auqib Nabi, Yudhvir Singh Charak, and Sunil Kumar spearheading the attack, the visitors will look to wrap up Karnataka’s innings swiftly on Day 4 and push for a historic first title.
Karnataka, meanwhile, will hope their overnight pair can bat deep into the next day and at least narrow the deficit to challenge J&K’s first-innings dominance.
An enthralling Day 4 awaits in what is shaping up to be a memorable Ranji Trophy final.
