The Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final began with expectations of a fierce contest between Jammu and Kashmir’s disciplined bowling unit and Karnataka’s powerful batting line-up. However, by the end of day one in Hubballi, the narrative had dramatically shifted. Instead of their bowlers dictating terms, it was Jammu and Kashmir’s batters who stamped their authority on the summit clash.
Shubham Pundir’s composed unbeaten century, Yawer Hassan’s fluent knock, and Abdul Samad’s aggressive half-century combined to put the visitors in a commanding position. On a surface predicted to deteriorate as the match progresses, Jammu and Kashmir made full use of the first opportunity to bat, closing the day at a formidable 284 for 2.
The build-up had focused heavily on how Karnataka’s experienced attack would challenge Jammu and Kashmir’s top order. But disciplined shot selection, patient accumulation, and timely aggression ensured the batting side walked off the field firmly on top after an absorbing opening day.
Jammu and Kashmir Opt to Bat and Show Intent
Winning the toss on a dry pitch expected to assist spinners later in the game, Jammu and Kashmir made the bold decision to bat first. The early overs, however, were far from comfortable. Karnataka’s new-ball trio extracted notable movement, bounce, and seam to keep the scoring in check.
The visitors crawled to 25 runs in the first 14 overs and suffered an early setback when Qamran Iqbal departed. The disciplined bowling ensured every run had to be earned, and the pressure was visible during the cautious start. Yet, that early phase of survival proved crucial as it laid the foundation for what followed.
Pundir and Yawer Turn the Tide
With the score at 18 for 1, Shubham Pundir and Yawer Hassan came together to steady the innings. Initially watchful against the swinging ball, the pair gradually began to counterattack whenever the bowlers strayed in line or length. Yawer displayed confidence by riding the bounce and punching short deliveries, while Pundir relied on elegant drives down the ground.
Their partnership of 139 runs for the second wicket transformed the complexion of the game. Boundaries began to flow, the bowlers were forced to rethink their plans, and field placements became increasingly defensive. Yawer’s maiden first-class half-century was a reflection of his fearless approach, while Pundir’s calm presence anchored the innings.
By lunch, Jammu and Kashmir had moved to 104 for 1, firmly recovering from the early wobble. The momentum had shifted, and Karnataka were searching for answers.
Pundir Anchors with a Brilliant Unbeaten Century
As the second session progressed, Shubham Pundir brought up his half-century with a crisp boundary. His innings was a blend of patience and calculated aggression. He rotated strike smartly, punished loose deliveries, and ensured the scoreboard kept ticking even during tighter spells.
Reaching three figures in a high-pressure final underlined his maturity and temperament. His century, sealed with a towering six over deep midwicket, not only boosted his confidence but also deflated the opposition. The unbeaten 117 at stumps was a masterclass in pacing an innings on a challenging surface.
Pundir’s knock was particularly significant as it marked his second hundred of the season, reinforcing his consistency and big-match temperament.
Yawer Hassan’s Breakthrough Performance
Yawer Hassan’s 88 was equally crucial in building the platform. Though he fell short of a century, his maiden first-class fifty in a Ranji Trophy final highlighted his growing stature. He showed courage against pace and composure against spin, often capitalizing on width and short deliveries.
His dismissal eventually broke the partnership, but by then the damage had been done. The stand ensured Jammu and Kashmir moved from a position of vulnerability to dominance, placing immense scoreboard pressure on Karnataka.
Abdul Samad Accelerates the Charge
At 179 for 2, with captain Paras Dogra forced to retire hurt after a barrage of short-pitched deliveries, Abdul Samad walked in with intent. Rather than consolidating cautiously, Samad chose calculated aggression to seize control during the final session.
He struck boundaries in quick succession, unsettling the bowlers who had begun to regain some rhythm. His unbeaten half-century came off just 64 balls, showcasing his attacking mindset. The aggressive strokeplay not only increased the run rate but also ensured Karnataka ended the day on the back foot.
Samad’s ability to switch gears complemented Pundir’s solidity perfectly, forming an unbroken partnership that carried the score to 284 for 2 at stumps.
Karnataka Bowlers Test but Fail to Break Through
Karnataka’s pace attack did extract movement early on and consistently probed the right areas. However, as the ball softened and the batters settled, the effectiveness waned. Attempts to introduce spin in the first session did not yield the desired results, with loose deliveries punished.
Short-ball tactics briefly unsettled Paras Dogra, but the visitors responded strongly through their middle order. The inability to maintain sustained pressure during the middle overs allowed Jammu and Kashmir to build partnerships without frequent setbacks.
Match Situation and Day Two Outlook
By the close of play, Jammu and Kashmir had firmly established control in the Ranji Trophy final. With only two wickets down and over 280 runs on the board, they are ideally placed to push for a massive first-innings total. The pitch is expected to assist spinners as the match progresses, making the first-innings advantage crucial.
Pundir unbeaten on 117 and Samad not out on 52 will resume with confidence, aiming to stretch the total beyond Karnataka’s comfort zone. The foundation has been laid, momentum is on their side, and the visitors have seized the initiative in the biggest domestic fixture of the season.
If day one is any indication, this final has already delivered high drama and quality cricket. With Jammu and Kashmir in a commanding position at 284 for 2, the pressure now shifts squarely onto Karnataka to respond strongly on day two.
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