CM Omar set to attend final showdown at Hubballi
Falak Bilal
Hubballi/Srinagar, Feb 27: A defining moment in the cricketing history of Jammu and Kashmir is unfolding in Hubballi, where the side stands just steps away from lifting its first-ever Ranji Trophy. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as the state’s Chief Minister is scheduled to arrive at the venue to witness what could become a landmark victory.
This remarkable journey has already etched its place in the region’s sporting legacy, with Jammu and Kashmir reaching the final of the Ranji Trophy for the very first time.
By stumps on Day Four, Jammu and Kashmir had tightened their grip on the match, posting 186/4 in their second innings, extending their overall lead to a formidable 477 runs against Karnataka cricket team.
Opener Qamran Iqbal led the charge with a composed unbeaten 94, while Sahil Lotra provided support at the other end. Earlier, Abdul Samad made a useful contribution before being dismissed, and Paras Dogra’s brief stay was cut short, with pacer Prasidh Krishna continuing to impress as Karnataka’s most effective bowler.
Luck, however, seemed to favor the northern side — a delivery that grazed Iqbal’s stumps failed to dislodge the bails, symbolizing the shifting tide of the contest.
Foundation Built on Batting Brilliance
The roots of this dominance lie in a massive first-innings total of 584. Centurion Shubham Pundir set the tone, while valuable contributions from Abdul Samad, Paras Dogra, and Kanhaiya Wadhawan ensured a towering score.
In response, Karnataka faltered despite a fighting 160 from Mayank Agarwal. The innings folded at 293, largely due to a devastating spell from Auqib Nabi, whose seven-wicket haul dismantled the opposition and marked another milestone in his outstanding season.
Ahead of his visit, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shared his excitement on X, wwriting, “This is a proud and historic moment for Jammu and Kashmir. Our team has shown incredible determination and resilience throughout the tournament. Wishing them the very best as they stand on the brink of creating history. The entire region is cheering for you.”
With a first-innings lead of 291 and now a towering advantage heading into the final sessions, Jammu and Kashmir are standing on the cusp of scripting history.
As the final day approaches, all eyes — from Hubballi to Srinagar — remain fixed on a team that is poised to redefine its sporting identity with a victory for the ages.
