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Ranji Trophy Final: Jammu & Kashmir scripted one of the most remarkable chapters in Indian domestic cricket history, clinching their maiden Ranji Trophy title after securing a decisive first-innings lead and forcing a draw against eight-time champions Karnataka in the final at the Hubli Cricket Ground on Saturday.

Led by commanding performances with both bat and ball across five days, Jammu & Kashmir outplayed Karnataka in every department, building an insurmountable 291-run first-innings advantage before declaring their second innings at 342/4 on the final afternoon. With no realistic chance of forcing a result, both captains agreed to shake hands, sparking emotional celebrations among the Jammu & Kashmir players, support staff and fans as the long wait for domestic cricket’s biggest prize finally ended.

The visitors seized early control after opting to bat, powered by a historic century from Shubham Pundir, whose unbeaten 117 anchored Jammu & Kashmir to 284/2 at stumps on the opening day. Pundir became the first batter from the state to score a century in a Ranji Trophy final, displaying patience and authority against a disciplined Karnataka attack.