Ranji Trophy Final Day 4: J&K extend lead to 477 runs against Karnataka

Jammu & Kashmir inched closer to a historic maiden Ranji Trophy title as they reached 186/4 at stumps on Day 4 of the final at the Hubli Cricket Ground, extending their overall lead to 477 runs against eight-time champions Karnataka.

Opener Qamran Iqbal starred for J&K, remaining unbeaten on 94, just six runs short of a century, while Sahil Lotra supported him with 16 not out as the visitors tightened their grip on the match.

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J&K resumed the final session at 89/3, and Qamran, along with Abdul Samad (32 off 70 balls), scored quickly, hitting four boundaries in the first three overs. Qamran brought up his fifty in the 33rd over off Vidyadhar Patil before taking responsibility to protect the new batter Sahil after Samad’s dismissal in the 44th over by Shreyas Gopal.

The day had begun with Karnataka bowling effectively, reducing J&K to 11/2 by lunch. Prasidh Krishna and Vijay Kumar Vyshak bowled disciplined spells, but Qamran and captain Paras Dogra steadied the innings with a 61-run partnership. Krishna then removed Dogra, leaving Qamran to anchor the innings with Samad.

Earlier, Karnataka’s first innings ended at 293 all out, with Mayank Agarwal top-scoring with 160 off 266 balls, hitting 21 fours. Despite his heroics, Auqib Nabi (5/54) and Yudhvir Singh Charak (2/55) ensured Karnataka fell far short, giving J&K a massive 291-run first-innings lead.

With only one day remaining, Jammu & Kashmir are in a commanding position, needing just a few more runs and wickets to claim their first-ever Ranji Trophy title.

Brief Scores (Stumps, Day 4):

Jammu & Kashmir: 584 all out & 186/4 in 57 overs (Qamran Iqbal 94*, Abdul Samad 32, Sahil Lotra 16*; Prasidh Krishna 2/42)

Karnataka: 293 all out in 93.3 overs (Mayank Agarwal 160, Kruthik Krishna 36; Auqib Nabi 5/54, Sushil Kumar 2/51, Yudhvir Singh Charak 2/55)

Lead: 477 runs

J&K are now on the brink of history, with fans eagerly awaiting the final day to see if the side can lift their maiden Ranji Trophy title.