The Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Elite final kicked off with Jammu and Kashmir asserting dominance, closing day one at 284/2 versus Karnataka in Hubli. Shubham Pundir’s unbeaten century proved the bedrock of their strong position after a toss win and decision to bat.
Kamran Iqbal’s duck-like 6 fell at 18, but Yawar Hasan and Pundir countered with a 139-run stand. Hasan’s boundary-filled 88 (13×4, 150 balls) provided impetus. Paras Dogra added 9 before retiring hurt post a brief 22-run cameo.
Undaunted, Pundir built a 105-run stand with Abdul Samad (52* off 67, 5×4, 1×6), remaining not out after 221 balls (117*, 12×4, 2×6). Karnataka’s Prasidh Krishna snared both scalps for 36 runs in 16 overs.
With J&K eyeing a historic first title under Dogra and Karnataka chasing number nine with Padikkal at helm, the contest hangs in balance. Expect Karnataka’s bowlers to come hard on day two against Pundir’s fortress.