Jammu & Kashmir Scripts History: Maiden Ranji Trophy Title Ends 67-Year Wait in Epic Victory Over Karnataka

HUBBALLI February 28 – In a landmark moment for Indian domestic cricket, Jammu and Kashmir clinched their first-ever Ranji Trophy title on Saturday, February 28, 2026, ending a 67-year quest for the prestigious trophy by defeating eight-time champions Karnataka. Playing with unprecedented composure in their maiden final appearance, J&K secured the historic win on the basis of a massive first-innings lead at the KSCA Hubballi Cricket Ground.

After Karnataka posted a respectable 293, J&K responded with a dominant 584, anchored by a brilliant century from Shubham Pundir. The bowling department was equally clinical, led by pacer Auqib Nabi, whose seventh five-wicket haul of the season decimated the Karnataka batting lineup.

As the match concluded with J&K at 342/4 in their second innings, jubilant scenes erupted on the field with players dancing to traditional dhol beats alongside head coach Ajay Sharma.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who attended the final to witness the historic feat, expressed immense pride in the squad’s perseverance, noting that this triumph signals a new era of sporting excellence for the Union Territory.