Jammu and Kashmir cricket team sealed a historic maiden Ranji Trophy title after drawing with Karnataka cricket team and winning on first-innings lead in Hubballi. J&K posted 584 in their first innings and declared at 342/4 in the second, while Karnataka were bowled out for 293.
Hubballi’s Rajnagar area woke to heavy security as J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah arrived to witness history. Nearly 7,000 fans packed the KSCA Stadium on the final day, taking the five-day attendance close to 20,000.
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The last day felt like a celebration in waiting. Qamran Iqbal struck an unbeaten 160, while Sahil Lotra scored 101 and celebrated with a push-up and thigh-five. J&K batted through two sessions without losing a wicket before the captains shook hands at 2:11 pm.
Scenes of jubilation followed. Players waved the J&K flag, embraced in the middle, and danced as drums echoed around the ground. Auqib Nabi, who finished the season with 60 wickets, was hoisted onto shoulders.
Even Karnataka showed grace in defeat. A light-hearted moment came when KL Rahul rolled his arm over, nearly claiming a wicket. Though the result was inevitable, the occasion was unforgettable as J&K etched their name in history.
