Ranji Trophy Final: Auqib Nabi dismantles Karnataka Top Order as Jammu & Kashmir hold firm Grip

Auqib Nabi Dar has already produced a match-defining spell, ripping through Karnataka's batting lineup in the Ranji Final on Day 3 of the encounter in Hubli.

Auqib has already boasted figures of 3-23 from his 9 overs, dismantling the Karnataka top orders with the key wickets of KL Rahul, Smaran Ravichandran and Karun Nair.

Ranji Trophy Final Auqib Nabi dismantles Karnataka Top Order as Jammu amp amp Kashmir hold firm Grip

Auqib Nabi on Fire in Ranji Final

The Jammu & Kashmir pacer struck early and often, dismissing opener KL Rahul (13 off 39) with a sharp catch at slip off his bowling, before cleaning up Karun Nair (0 off 9) and Smaran Ravichandran (0 off 1) in quick succession. His relentless accuracy and seam movement exploited the conditions perfectly, reducing Karnataka to 95-4 after 29.5 overs and handing Jammu & Kashmir a firm grip on this Ranji Trophy clash.

Nabi's victims were-

KL Rahul: Caught at slip, ending a patient but unproductive knock.

Karun Nair: Bowled, failing to trouble the scorers.

Smaran Ravichandran: Caught behind shortly after, extending the collapse.

With Mayank Agarwal (57*) and Shreyas Gopal (10*) digging in, Nabi's haul has put Karnataka on the back foot, forcing them to rebuild cautiously.

Jammu and Kashmir's batting in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final against Karnataka at Hubballi was a masterclass in patience and depth, as they posted a commanding first-innings total of 584 all out in 173.1 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat.

Opener Shubham Pundir led with a gritty century (121 off 247 balls), anchoring the innings. Yawer Hassan provided solid support with 88. Multiple half-centuries followed: captain Paras Dogra (70), Kanhaiya Wadhawan (70), Abdul Samad (61), and Sahil Lotra (contributing significantly in the lower order, around 57-72 in reports before dismissal). The team reached 284/2 at stumps on Day 1, consolidated to 527/6 by the end of Day 2, and extended to 584 on Day 3 morning. Six batters scored 50+, showcasing collective resilience on a flat track.

Prasidh Krishna claimed 5/98 for Karnataka, but J&K's disciplined approach built a massive lead, marking a historic push in their maiden final appearance in decades.