Hubballi:Jammu and Kashmir tightened their grip on the Ranji Trophy final with a commanding all-round performance, piling up a formidable 584 in their first innings before striking early blows to leave Karnataka on the back foot on Day 3 of the summit clash at the KSCA Rajnagar Stadium on Thursday.
Resuming at 527/6 after bad light and rain halted proceedings on Day 2, J&K added crucial runs in the morning session to stretch their dominance. Sahil Lotra went on to score 72 off 138 deliveries, while Abid Mushtaq chipped in with 28 off 50 balls before the innings folded at 584. Karnataka pacers Prasidh Krishna and Vijaykumar Vyshak tried to stem the flow of runs, but the damage had already been done.
J&K’s imposing total was built on significant contributions from across the batting order. Shubham Pundir led the charge with a fluent 121, while Abdul Samad added 61. Skipper Paras Dogra anchored the innings with a patient 70 off 166 balls, and wicketkeeper-batter Kanhaiya Wadhawan struck a brisk 70 off 109 deliveries. Dogra and Wadhawan combined for a vital 110-run partnership that shifted the momentum firmly in J&K’s favour after Karnataka seamers found some rhythm late on Day 2.
The day was not without controversy, as Dogra was involved in an altercation with Karnataka substitute fielder Aneesh following an alleged sledging incident.
In reply, Karnataka faltered early under pressure. Auqib Nabi delivered a fiery spell, dismissing KL Rahul for 13, Karun Nair for a duck, and Smaran Ravichandran without scoring. Sunil Kumar further compounded Karnataka’s woes after lunch by removing Devdutt Padikkal for 11 off just 10 balls.
With four key wickets down and a mountain of runs to chase, Karnataka face an uphill battle to claw their way back into the contest. Jammu and Kashmir, meanwhile, remain firmly in control as they push for a historic Ranji Trophy triumph.
Source: Hindustan Times
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