J&K Clinch Maiden Ranji Trophy, Historic Win Over Karnataka in Hubballi

Jammu & Kashmir delivered a historic moment on a sunlit final day in Hubballi, clinching their maiden Ranji Trophy title with a first-innings lead over eight-time champions Karnataka. After five days of gripping cricket, captain Paras Dogra declared the innings at 2:10pm, and J&K etched a victory that will be remembered for generations. This win isn’t just a trophy; it’s a milestone for a side that spent decades on the margins of Indian domestic cricket, finally stepping into the limelight they believed they deserved.

Two names defined the final for J&K: Qamran Iqbal and Sahil Lotra, who stitched a pivotal 197-run stand in the decisive moments. Iqbal, who carried the overnight 94, reached a majestic 160 not out, repelling Karnataka’s bowlers and lifting his team to a commanding position. Lotra, stepping in for an injured Shubham Khajuria, added a second-innings century and anchored the innings, while also contributing 72 in the first innings and finishing with bowling figures of 1/50 in the first innings.

J&K piled up a massive 584-run lead after the first innings, forcing Karnataka into a long, uphill chase. The day belonged to J&K’s batters and bowlers alike, as Karnataka found little to rejoice about on the penultimate day. Iqbal’s blistering ton and Lotra’s all-round excellence underlined a performance built on resilience and belief, a testament to the team’s long road to the summit.

Karnataka, despite their pedigree, were unable to overturn the momentum built by J&K, who dominated all five days of the final. Coach Ajay Sharma highlighted the surge of national support for J&K and spoke of how last year’s near-miss against Kerala gave the team extra motivation. The victory is celebrated as a turning point for cricket in Jammu & Kashmir, a moment when hard work, planning, and belief finally translated into silverware.

As the celebrations began, players from the valleys and plains shared in the joy of a historic triumph. Officials and fans in Hubballi witnessed a moment that cricket fans will remember for a long time: a team from outside the traditional powerhouses lifting the Ranji Trophy for the very first time.

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