HISTORIC TRUMPH: J&K team first time heading to claim Ranji Trophy title; CM Omar Abdullah heads to Hubli to cheer team

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 27 (STC): Jammu and Kashmir cricket team is inching closer to their maiden Ranji Trophy title after a commanding performance against Karnataka team in the final at Hubli, Karnataka.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has travelled to Hubli, to witness the historic moment firsthand.
Omar in a post on ‘X’ said, “On our way to Hubli to cheer the J&K cricket team as they play the final of the Ranji Trophy. They’ve already made lakhs of people so very proud of their achievements by reaching the final. I’m really looking forward to spending the day tomorrow in the stands cheering them on.”
The Chief Minister is accompanied by his advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA and NC Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq and MLA Pahalgam Altaf Wani.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir team maintained complete dominance on the field, leaving the Karnataka cricket team struggling to find momentum. After securing a massive 291-run first-innings lead, J&K consolidated further in their second innings.
Despite an early setback at 11/2, Qamran Iqbal steadied the innings with a composed 94, anchoring the side during a crucial phase. He built important partnerships with Kanhaiya Dogra and Abdul Samad, frustrating the opposition and pushing J&K firmly into control.
By stumps, the lead had swelled to an imposing 477 runs, with Sahil Lotra holding firm at the other end, underlining J&K’s authority in the contest.
Earlier, J&K’s bowling unit set the tone for dominance with a clinical display. Led by Auqib Nabi, who claimed his seventh five-wicket haul of the season, the side dismantled Karnataka’s batting lineup with precision.
Though Mayank Agarwal stood tall with a resilient 130 off 207 balls, the lack of support from the rest of the batting order left Karnataka in deep trouble. Regular breakthroughs ensured they never recovered from early setbacks.
Remarkably, Union Minister Jitendra Singh commended the players’ discipline and determination, while also acknowledging the role of the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association in ensuring transparency in team selection.
With just one day remaining, Jammu & Kashmir are firmly in the driver’s seat. Even in the event of a draw, their substantial first-innings lead puts them in a commanding position to be declared champions—potentially securing their first-ever Ranji Trophy title in over six decades.

(Straight Talk Communications)