HUBLI, February 24 – Jammu and Kashmir laid down a commanding marker on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy Elite 2025-26 final against Karnataka at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground. Opting to bat after winning the toss, the visitors ended the day at a formidable 284 for 2, thanks largely to Shubham Pundir’s gritty unbeaten century.
The innings got off to a shaky start with opener Kamran Iqbal departing for just 6 runs when the score was a precarious 18. But Yawar Hasan steadied the ship alongside Pundir, forging a crucial 139-run stand for the second wicket. Hasan, facing 150 deliveries, stroked 13 boundaries en route to 88 before falling.
Captain Paras Dogra briefly joined Pundir, adding 22 runs before retiring hurt on 9. Pundir then linked up with Abdul Samad, and the duo remained not out at stumps, having piled on 105 runs from 144 balls. Pundir’s masterful knock came off 221 balls, featuring 12 fours and 2 sixes for 117*, while Samad contributed a fluent 52 off 67 balls with 5 fours and a six.
Karnataka’s Prasidh Krishna was the lone wicket-taker, claiming 2 for 36 from his 16 overs. The hosts, led by Devdutt Padikkal, will look to mount a strong comeback on day two.
Jammu and Kashmir, under Paras Dogra’s leadership, are chasing their maiden Ranji title, while Karnataka aim to add a ninth trophy to their cabinet. With Pundir still at the crease, the momentum firmly favors the northern side heading into the second day.