Jammu & Kashmir Clinch Maiden Ranji Trophy, Beat Karnataka. The Jammu and Kashmir team created history by winning their first Ranji Trophy title. The victory came in the 2025–26 season. It ended a 67-year wait since their debut in 1959–60. The final was played against the strong Karnataka cricket team. The match took place at the KSCA Stadium in Hubballi. Jammu and Kashmir won the toss and batted first. They posted a massive 584 runs in the first innings.
Shubham Pundir scored 121 runs with great control. Yawer Hassan made 88 runs under pressure. Paras Dogra added 70 important runs. Abdul Samad scored a quick 61. Kanhaiya Wadhawan contributed 70 runs. Sahil Lotra played a valuable knock of 72. Karnataka replied with 293 runs in their first innings. Mayank Agarwal fought hard with 160 runs. However, the rest of the batting struggled.
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Jammu and Kashmir secured a huge 291-run first-innings lead. That lead became the key factor in the final. In the second innings, J&K dominated again. They finished on 342 for 4 before the match ended. Qamran Iqbal remained unbeaten on 160. Sahil Lotra scored another century with 101 not out.
J&K Seal Title With Dominant Performance
The match ended in a draw on the fifth day. Under Ranji Trophy rules, the first innings lead decides the winner. Jammu and Kashmir were declared champions for the first time. Fast bowler Auqib Nabi led the bowling attack brilliantly this season. He finished with 60 wickets in the tournament. He was named Player of the Series for his performance.
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Celebrations erupted across Jammu and Srinagar after the win. Fans gathered on the streets, waving flags and bursting crackers. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced a reward of ₹2 crore. He also promised government jobs for players and staff. This title win is a landmark moment for J&K cricket. It proves their rise in Indian domestic cricket is real.