KAR vs J&K Ranji Trophy Final Day 1 Updates: Pundir & Samad Shine
Hubballi: Jammu & Kashmir put themselves in a commanding position on Day 1 of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy final against Karnataka, posting 284/2 at stumps. Shubham Pundir played a composed unbeaten century (117*), while Abdul Samad provided steady support with 52* in an unbroken partnership that frustrated Karnataka’s bowlers throughout the day. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, J&K ensured they finished the opening day in complete control, setting the stage for a massive first-innings total.
Solid Opening Partnership
The first session saw Pundir and Yawer Hassan dominate the Karnataka attack, taking J&K to 104/1 in 34 overs at Lunch. Hassan’s patient innings was ended by Prasidh Krishna, who removed him for 88 runs off 150 balls. Krishna also dismissed Qamran Iqbal for 6 in the second session, breaking the opening partnership. Despite these breakthroughs, Pundir and Samad held firm, guiding J&K to a strong finish at 284/2. Their unbroken stand not only frustrated the bowlers but also showcased J&K’s batting depth under pressure.
J&K’s Historic Run to the Final
This is a historic first Ranji Trophy final appearance for Jammu & Kashmir, who have impressed throughout the season. After an opening loss to Mumbai by 35 runs, they bounced back with dominant performances in the knockouts. They defeated Madhya Pradesh by 56 runs in the quarterfinals and overcame Bengal by six wickets in the semifinals, despite conceding a first-innings lead. Key bowler Auqib Nabi, who has taken 55 wickets in nine matches, will be crucial in challenging Karnataka’s batting lineup.
Karnataka Look to Strike Early
Karnataka, appearing in their 14th Ranji final, are seasoned title contenders but have shown inconsistent form this season. They bounced back with a five-wicket win over Punjab, chasing 250 in just 28 overs in Mohali, and comfortably progressed through the knockouts, defeating Mumbai and scoring heavily in the semifinals. On Day 2, Karnataka will aim for early wickets to wrest control from J&K, with Krishna and the pace attack expected to be key in restricting the historic finalists. The final promises a thrilling contest between J&K’s debutants and Karnataka’s experienced campaigners.
