Pundir’s unbeaten century and Samad’s attacking fifty power J&K to 284/2 against Karnataka in maiden title clash
Inayat Qayoom
Hubli, Feb 23:
Jammu and Kashmir made an emphatic start to their maiden Ranji Trophy final, finishing Day 1 in a commanding position at 284 for 2 against Karnataka at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground on Sunday.
Playing their first-ever Ranji Trophy final, Jammu and Kashmir displayed remarkable composure with the bat to seize early control of the summit clash against a seasoned Karnataka side.
After losing opener Qamran Iqbal early, J&K rebuilt their innings through a crucial 139-run partnership between Shubham Pundir and Yawer Hassan. The duo steadied the innings after the early setback and laid a solid platform for a big total.
Pundir anchored the innings with a patient unbeaten 117 off 221 balls, striking 12 boundaries and two sixes. His composed knock held the innings together and frustrated the Karnataka bowlers for long periods.
Yawer Hassan provided strong support with a well-compiled 88 off 150 deliveries. Coming into the match after a lean run of form, Hassan rose to the occasion with a responsible innings before being dismissed with the team at 157 for 2.
J&K skipper Paras Dogra was forced to retire hurt after being struck multiple times, bringing Abdul Samad to the crease earlier than expected.
Samad, the side’s leading run-scorer this season, maintained the momentum with an aggressive unbeaten 52 off 67 balls, hitting five fours and a six. He shared an unbroken 105-run partnership with Pundir as Jammu and Kashmir tightened their grip on the contest.
The pair accelerated in the final phase of the day, adding 44 runs in the last 10 overs without losing a wicket.
Karnataka’s pace attack, led by Prasidh Krishna, bowled disciplined spells but found little assistance from a placid surface that offered minimal movement. Pardeep was the only Karnataka bowler to claim wickets on the opening day.
Jammu and Kashmir will look to build on their strong foundation on Day 2 with the aim of posting a first-innings total in excess of 450. Karnataka, meanwhile, will be seeking early breakthroughs to work their way back into the contest.
The final marks a defining moment for Jammu and Kashmir cricket, reflecting years of steady growth and development. With a balanced mix of experience and youth, the side is now within reach of scripting history by chasing a maiden Ranji Trophy title.