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Karnataka Ends Decade-Long Wait, Enters Ranji Trophy Final vs J-K

Karnataka has advanced to the Ranji Trophy final for the first time in ten years after securing a first-innings lead in their semi-final against Uttarakhand. They will face Jammu & Kashmir, who created history by reaching their first-ever Ranji Trophy final after defeating Bengal. The title clash is scheduled to begin on February 24 at the KSCA Hubballi Cricket Stadium. Captain Devdutt Padikkal was named Player of the Match for his double century in the semi-final.

Key Points: Karnataka vs Jammu & Kashmir in Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Final

  • Karnataka in first final since 2014-15
  • Won semi-final on first innings lead
  • Final against Jammu & Kashmir on Feb 24
  • J-K in maiden Ranji final
  • Devdutt Padikkal named Player of the Match
2 min read

Karnataka enter Ranji Trophy final after a decade, set to face J-K in title clash

Karnataka reaches its first Ranji Trophy final in a decade, will face debutant finalist Jammu & Kashmir in the title clash starting February 24 in Hubballi.

"Karnataka were declared the winners based on their first innings lead."

Lucknow, February 19

Karnataka entered the final of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 on the basis of the first innings lead in the semi-final clash against Uttarakhand. This is the first occasion since the 2014-15 season that Karnataka has reached the final of the Ranji Trophy.

Day 5 of the semi-final match started with Karnataka adding to their 802-run lead. They could add only 24 runs to their overnight total of 299/6 and were bundled out for 323 runs, setting a daunting 827-run target for Uttarakhand.

Bhupen Lalwani and Prashant Chopra started the chase for Uttarakhand, but Chopra lost his wicket in the second over. Avneesh Sudha (66 off 71) played well and spent some time on the pitch, but Shreyas Gopal got him in the 26th over.

Aditya Rawat (53 not out off 114 balls) and Abhay Negi (57 not out off 66 balls) added 104 runs for the seventh wicket before the play was ended, and Karnataka were declared the winners based on their first innings lead.

Karnataka captain Devdutt Padikkal was named Player of the Match for his big double ton. Ravichandran Smaran also hit twin tons in the match, whereas KL Rahul missed an opportunity to hit twin tons after finishing 86 not out in the second innings. He made 141 runs in the first innings.

Earlier on Thursday, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) unveiled the date and venue of the Ranji Trophy Final of the 2025-26 season. Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir are set to face off against each other in the finals at the KSCA Hubballi Cricket Stadium, commencing on February 24.

KSCA had the option of hosting this prestigious final either at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, or at the KSCA Hubballi grounds, according to an official statement.

In the first semi-final, Jammu and Kashmir scripted history as they marched into their first-ever Ranji Trophy final after securing a six-wicket victory over Bengal on Wednesday.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
While I'm happy for Karnataka, I feel a bit for Uttarakhand. A target of 827 is just demoralizing. The first innings lead rule can be harsh sometimes, but that's cricket. Great to see J&K in the final too – a fantastic story for Indian cricket!
R
Rahul R
Hosting the final in Hubballi is a great decision! It's about time major matches are taken to tier-2 cities. It will boost cricket infrastructure and interest in North Karnataka. Chinnaswamy gets enough games. Well done, KSCA! 👍
A
Anjali F
The real story is Jammu & Kashmir. What an incredible journey for their team. From the challenges they face to reaching their first-ever Ranji final – this is bigger than cricket. Wishing both teams the very best. May the best team win!
K
Karthik V
KL Rahul missing twin tons by 14 runs... so close! But his form is a great sign for the national team. Padikkal and Smaran were brilliant. Our bowling needs to be sharp against J&K. They just beat Bengal, they are no pushovers.
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Priyanka N
As a cricket fan from Karnataka, this feels amazing! The wait has been too long. The team has shown great character. But a respectful criticism: the article could have highlighted our bowlers more. Taking 20 wickets in the final will be key.

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