Karnataka is struggling to respond to Jammu and Kashmir’s massive total in the 2026 Ranji Trophy final. Jammu and Kashmir has solidified its grip on the match by posting a mammoth total of 584 runs in the first innings. In this difficult situation, Karnataka’s experienced opener Mayank Agarwal has taken charge and scored a brilliant century. However, despite his fighting performance, Karnataka’s situation remains precarious and ended day 3 at 220 for 5.
Karnataka had a rough time, losing big wickets one after another. KL Rahul didn’t last long and gone for 13 off 39 balls, thanks to Auqib Nabi. Nabi didn’t stop there. He sparked a collapse by knocking out Karun Nair and Smaran Ravichandran for ducks. After lunch, Sunil Kumar got Devdutt Padikkal who only managed a quick 11 from 10 balls.
Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir wrapped up a huge first innings with 584 on the board. Prasidh Krishna finally broke through dismissing Abid Mushtaq for 28. Vijaykumar Vyshak took care of Sahil Lotra, who stuck around for a patient 72, and that finished the innings.
Bad light ended play early on Day 2 with J&K sitting pretty at 527 for 6 after 156 overs. Since the first day, these debut finalists have made batting look easy against Karnataka’s bowlers. Karnataka’s seamers Vidyadhar Patil, Vyshak, and Prasidh Krishna did fight back on Day 2, getting some movement and finally removing the well-set Shubham Pundir (121) and Abdul Samad (61). Even then, J&K captain Paras Dogra and Kanhaiya Wadhawan steadied things by building a solid partnership.
They played it safe, treated each ball seriously, and slowly took the game away from Karnataka with a 110-run stand. Dogra eventually fell to Shreyas Gopal for 70 off 166 balls, hitting eight boundaries. Wicketkeeper-batter Wadhawan kept things going with a lively 70 off 109 while slamming nine fours.
Brief Scores:
Jammu and Kashmir- 584 (Y Hassan 88, S Pundir 121, P Krishna 5/98)
Karnataka- 220/5 (M Agarwal 130*; A Nabi 3/32)
