Ranji Trophy Final: Krishna strikes early as J&K reach 11/2 at Lunch on Day 4
Hubli, Feb 27
Karnataka made a strong start with the ball in the second innings, taking two early wickets as Jammu and Kashmir were reduced to 11/2 at Lunch on Day 4 of the Ranji Trophy final. Qamran Iqbal remained unbeaten on 6.
After taking a big 291-run lead, Jammu and Kashmir had a poor start in their second innings. Prasidh Krishna carried his form from the first innings and dismissed Yawer Hassan in the second over. First-innings centurion Shubham Pundir followed soon after. Vijaykumar Vyashak bowled a good-length delivery that took the edge, and KL Shrijith completed the catch in the slips. Shubham managed just 4 runs.
Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir began the day well by breaking the partnership between Mayank Agarwal and Kruthik Krishna, who were building pressure with regular singles. Kruthik was dismissed by Sahil Lotra in the 78th over. Sushil Kumar then removed Vidyadhar Patil in the 84th over, leaving Karnataka at 256/7.
Despite losing wickets at the other end, Mayank continued to play his shots and punished loose balls. He survived a few dropped catches but was finally dismissed in the 91st over when Auqib Nabi trapped him with a good-length delivery. Mayank scored 160 off 266 balls, hitting 21 fours. Auqib completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Shikhar Shetty, while Yudhvir Singh picked up the last wicket of Prasidh Krishna as Karnataka were bowled out for 293.
Brief Scores: Jammu & Kashmir 584 all out & 11/2 (Shubham Pundir 121, Yawer Hassan 88, Sahil Lotra 72, Kanhaiya Wadhawan 70, Paras Dogra 70; Prasidh Krishna 5-98) lead Karnataka 293 all out in 93.3 overs (Mayank Agarwal 160, Kruthik Krishna 36; Auqib Nabi Dar 5-54, Sushil Kumar 2-51, Yudhwir Singh Charak 2-55) by 302 runs at Lunch on Day 4.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a neutral fan, this is fantastic cricket. Mayank Agarwal's 160 was a masterclass in grinding it out. But full credit to Auqib Nabi for his five-for. J&K still have a massive lead, but two early wickets... the pressure is back on them.
Feeling nervous as a J&K supporter. We had such a strong position, but losing Pundir early in the second innings is a big blow. Qamran needs to bat long now. The lead is 300+, we just need to bat time. C'mon boys!
Respectful criticism: The article could mention the crowd support in Hubli. The atmosphere in a Ranji final is electric and adds so much to the context. That said, brilliant reporting on the key moments. Prasidh's spell was the turning point today.
This is why Ranji Trophy is the backbone of Indian cricket. Such high-quality, tense cricket. Nabi's five-wicket haul against a strong Karnataka batting line-up is outstanding. J&K cricket has come a long way, yaar. Proud moment regardless of the result.
The target is already over 300. Even if J&K collapse for 100, Karnataka will need 400+ on a day 4/5 pitch. That's a monumental task. The game is still J&K's to lose, but Karnataka have given themselves a sniff. Fascinating session ahead.
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