J&K clinch maiden Ranji Trophy title, stun Karnataka in historic win

Hubbali: February 28 will be remembered as a defining moment in the cricketing history of Jammu & Kashmir. After competing in India’s domestic circuit since their debut in the 1959–60 season, the side has won the Ranji Trophy for the first time, defeating Karnataka in the 2025–26 final at the KSCA Cricket Ground.

Led by Paras Dogra, J&K outplayed a much-fancied Karnataka lineup to script a historic triumph. Although the final stretched into the fifth day on paper, the match effectively tilted on the fourth morning when pacer Auqib Nabi claimed a five-wicket haul, securing a massive 291-run first-innings lead. From that point onward, Karnataka struggled to regain momentum as J&K controlled proceedings session by session.

Karnataka entered the contest as clear favourites, boasting international stars such as KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal, but J&K demonstrated that reputation alone does not determine outcomes in first-class cricket.

After winning a crucial toss, Dogra chose to bat on a surface expected to worsen over time—a decision that proved decisive. J&K piled up an imposing 584 in their first innings, with their batters producing disciplined and sustained contributions across the order. The Karnataka bowlers were forced to grind through nearly seven sessions in the field as the total mounted.

There was also a flashpoint during the innings involving Dogra and a substitute fielder, an incident later attributed to on-field intensity that resulted in a financial penalty for the skipper.

With the ball, Nabi spearheaded the attack, removing key batters early and leaving Karnataka reeling at 57 for 4. Despite resistance from Agarwal, Karnataka were bowled out for just over 280, handing J&K a decisive advantage. Nabi’s performance marked another milestone in a standout season, as he crossed the 60-wicket mark.

J&K’s second innings began shakily but soon stabilised through partnerships that ensured the lead grew beyond Karnataka’s reach. Centuries in the final phase shut the door on any comeback attempt, and with the result inevitable, the match was called off after J&K declared at 341 for 4.

Dogra then lifted the Ranji Trophy, sealing a landmark achievement for the team. J&K’s title run included only one early defeat—to Mumbai—before they knocked out Madhya Pradesh in the quarterfinal, Bengal in the semifinal, and completed their fairytale campaign with victory over Karnataka in the final.