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Jammu and Kashmir scripted an immortal chapter in Indian home cricket by clinching their maiden Ranji Trophy title on February 28, 2026, defeating eight-time champions Karnataka on the Hubballi Floor.
Coming into the ultimate as spirited underdogs, the Paras Dogra-led facet delivered a masterclass in tactical self-discipline and psychological fortitude to safe the championship through a large first-innings lead. The victory marks the head of a 67-year journey, remodeling the area’s cricketing panorama without end as they outplayed a star-studded Karnataka unit that includes a number of Check stars.
From Shubham Pundir’s foundational century to Auqib Nabi’s deadly tempo and Qamran Iqbal’s final-day defiance, it was a collective triumph of a crew that refused to be intimidated by legacy. Because the match concluded in a draw with J&Okay main by 633 runs, the jubilant scenes within the dressing room signaled a brand new period for the facet.
Shubham Pundir’s grit and Jammu and Kashmir’s middle-order resilience put up a mammoth 584
Jammu and Kashmir’s maiden title was constructed on a monumental first-innings whole of 584, an effort that noticed them bat Karnataka out of the sport for over seven grueling classes. After opting to bat on a real Hubballi floor, J&Okay misplaced early wickets, however Shubham Pundir anchored the innings with a elegant 121 off 247 balls, showcasing exemplary endurance in opposition to the tempo of Prasidh Krishna.
The great thing about the innings lay in its collective contributions, as 5 different batters crossed the fifty-run mark to dismantle Karnataka’s bowling rhythm. Yawer Hassan (88) supplied a brisk begin, whereas captain Paras Dogra (70) and Kanhaiya Wadhawan (70) consolidated the center order with skilled composure.
Even when Krishna triggered a late collapse to complete with 5/98, Sahil Lotra (72) and Abdul Samad (61) ensured the tail wagged considerably to push the rating previous the 550-mark. This large whole not solely exhausted the Karnataka fielders but in addition created immense scoreboard stress, setting the stage for J&Okay’s bowlers to assault with a defensive cushion. The sheer quantity of runs scored over 173 overs despatched a transparent message that J&Okay was now not content material with being simply members however have been in Hubballi to dictate phrases.
🏏 SHUBHAM PUNDIR SHINES WITH A CENTURY! 💥
121 runs in opposition to Karnataka, incomes him Participant of the Match 🌟🔥
A efficiency that can be remembered for ages 💯🚀#RanjiTrophyFinal #RanjiTrophy #karnataka #JammuandKashmir #ShubhamPundir #Cricket pic.twitter.com/yURu3BEPSg
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 28, 2026
Additionally WATCH: KL Rahul surprises with a uncommon bowling spell throughout Ranji Trophy Closing 2025-26; video goes viral
Auqib Nabi’s fiery five-for dismantles Karnataka’s star-studded lineup
Karnataka’s response to the enormous whole was met with a hurricane named Auqib Nabi, whose sensational spell of 5/54 successfully determined the destiny of the Ranji Trophy. Nabi, the season’s main wicket-taker, produced a masterclass in swing and seam bowling to take away the heavyweights of Karnataka’s batting order throughout the first two classes.
He first shocked the house crowd by trapping KL Rahul for simply 13 and adopted it up by dismissing Karun Nair for a golden duck with a peach of a supply that rattled the off-stump. Whereas veteran Mayank Agarwal fought an impressive lone battle with a combating 160, he discovered nearly no assist as Nabi returned to scrub up the tail and safe a decisive 291-run first-innings lead.
Supported by Yudhvir Singh and Abid Mushtaq, the J&Okay assault maintained relentless stress, bowling out the eight-time champions for a mere 293 in 93.3 overs. The sight of Karnataka’s frontline batters struggling to deal with Nabi’s tempo served as a symbolic passing of the guard in home dominance. By securing the lead, J&Okay had mathematically positioned one hand on the trophy, leaving Karnataka with the unimaginable process of forcing an outright victory on a deteriorating final-day observe.
🚨 AUQIB NABI WINS PLAYER OF THE SERIES! 🚨
60 wickets at a mean of 12.57 and 28.43 SR 🔥
A dominant efficiency all through the event 🌟💥#AuqibNabi #RanjiTrophyFinal #RanjiTrophy #karnataka #Cricket #jammuandkashmir pic.twitter.com/gzvLJBUn4u
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 28, 2026
Ranji Trophy Closing: Qamran Iqbal and Sahil Lotra’s twin tons seal a historic draw and maiden title
With a large lead in hand, Jammu and Kashmir utilized the ultimate two days to professionally bat Karnataka out of the competition, finally declaring their second innings at 342/4. Regardless of an early wobble at 12/2 in opposition to Prasidh Krishna, Qamran Iqbal performed the innings of his life, remaining unbeaten on 160 to make sure there have been no late hiccups.
He was brilliantly supported by Sahil Lotra, who reached his maiden first-class century (101*) in a chanceless 197-run partnership that noticed the lead swell to a staggering 633 runs. The frustration within the Karnataka camp was evident as captain Devdutt Padikkal was compelled to make use of part-time bowlers like KL Rahul and Karun Nair to get by the overs on a flat Day 5 pitch.
The declaration lastly got here at 2:10 PM, resulting in a proper handshake between the 2 captains and sparking wild celebrations among the many J&Okay gamers and touring supporters. This last act of dominance ensured that J&Okay completed the sport with out shedding a single session on the ultimate day, a becoming finish to a marketing campaign the place they misplaced just one match. Because the trophy was hoisted by Paras Dogra, it marked the top of a 67-year wait and the start of a legendary legacy for Jammu and Kashmir cricket.
🏆 HISTORIC VICTORY FOR JAMMU & KASHMIR! 🏆
They win their first-ever Ranji Trophy title right this moment 🇮🇳💥
A second of glory for the area 🌟#RanjiTrophy #ranjitrophyfinal #Karnataka #JammuAndKashmir #Cricket #parasdogra #auqibnabi pic.twitter.com/L52aMZVcYf
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 28, 2026
Right here’s how followers reacted:
Unbelievable! Historical past has been written right this moment! Big congratulations to the Jammu & Kashmir crew for clinching their maiden #RanjiTrophy title after 67 lengthy years!🏆 Dominating Karnataka with pure grit, coronary heart and unbreakable spirit. Proud past phrases of #AuqibNabi’s fireplace,…
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) February 28, 2026
Many congratulations to J&okay cricket to create a historical past by successful the primary ever Ranji Trophy. I by no means had even shadow of a doubt that you just guys will obtain this and plenty of extra trophies.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 28, 2026
Jammu & Kashmir topped the Ranji Trophy champions for the primary time ever. A monumental second for the state and home cricket!! Properly completed crew, really effectively deserved👏
— DK (@DineshKarthik) February 28, 2026
Historic second for Jammu & Kashmir cricket 🇮🇳
Maiden Ranji Trophy title constructed on perception, sturdy management from Paras Dogra and a exceptional season with the ball from Auqib Nabi. Massive contributions from Shubham Pundir, Yawer Hassan, Qamran Iqbal, Sahil Lotra, Abdul Samad and… pic.twitter.com/kA4AvufcaX
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) February 28, 2026
An Inspiring journey for anybody who loves crimson ball cricket.
Jammu and Kashmir haven’t solely etched their identify in historical past however have proven everybody what sheer grit, sweat, and arduous work can really obtain, many congratulations to the entire squad. #ranjitrophy2026 🥳 👏
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) February 28, 2026
Such a heartwarming end result within the Ranji Trophy last. That is the second Jammu & Kashmir should have dreamt of for therefore lengthy. And to do it in opposition to the may of Karnataka is much more particular.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 28, 2026
Congratulations to the Jammu & Kashmir crew in India for scripting a exceptional story of grit and perseverance.
Whereas the gamers are absolutely deserving of the adulation they obtain, one should additionally bear in mind the contribution of the teaching employees, administration and directors from… https://t.co/hbRwF1S41O
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) February 28, 2026
Historic day for Jammu & Kashmir cricket. Having led UP to its first Ranji Trophy title, I do know what this second means to the gamers and the state. Extra gamers from J&Okay will now imagine that they can also do it. #RanjiTrophyFinal
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 28, 2026
Will to win, that’s what matter. What a day for Jammu & Kashmir Properly completed , Merely excellent successful Ranji Trophy isn’t straightforward in any respect. They’ve performed terrific cricket all through the season and performed like a unit. Many congratulation and plenty of extra trophies to return. nice to see…
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) February 28, 2026
Congratulations to the crew Jammu and Kashmir on successful your maiden Ranji Trophy title 🏆You guys have been wonderful all through the season and a effectively deserved crew 👏👏Laborious luck to our boys. Maintain your head excessive guys, now we have performed some glorious cricket all through the season. Right here…
— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) February 28, 2026
Additionally WATCH: Karnataka pacer Prasidh Krishna’s unplayable ball sends J&Okay skipper Paras Dogra packing on Day 4
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