Asif Iqbal

Srinagar, Feb 24: Jammu and Kashmir made a confident start in their historic Ranji Trophy Elite 2025-26 final against Karnataka, reaching 284/2 at stumps on Day 1 at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground.

Appearing in their first Ranji final in more than six decades, J&K, as per GNS, opted to bat after winning the toss and laid a strong foundation through disciplined application and timely acceleration.

The innings however did not begin without challenge. Openers Qamran Iqbal and Yawer Hassan were tested by Karnataka’s pace attack, with several plays and misses in the opening spell. Iqbal fell for 6 at 18/1, but Hassan steadied the innings in partnership with Shubham Pundir. The duo added 139 runs for the second wicket, absorbing pressure before capitalising on loose deliveries.

Hassan’s patient 88 off 150 balls, studded with 13 boundaries, ended when Prasidh Krishna produced the breakthrough Karnataka sought. Bowling in the corridor outside off, Prasidh induced an edge that was smartly taken at slip by Rahul after a third-umpire review confirmed a clean catch. Prasidh, who returned figures of 2/36 in 16 overs, also troubled skipper Paras Dogra with sharp deliveries. Dogra, after scoring 9, retired hurt following a couple of blows.

Pundir anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten 117 off 221 balls, while Abdul Samad added impetus with an unbeaten 52 from 67 deliveries, ensuring J&K closed the day in control.

With eight wickets in hand and momentum on their side, Jammu and Kashmir eyes to score big to put pressure on the opposition in an all important contest. (GNS)