Ranji Trophy Final: Five-star Nabi helps J & K secure a massive lead

Five-star Nabi helps J & K secure a massive lead

Sport is replete with examples where the most well-thought-out of plans and best-informed of decisions have come a cropper.

But Jammu & Kashmir, for a fourth straight day, displayed clockwork precision to ensure that its march towards cricketing history would remain unaltered.

On the penultimate day of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy final at the KSCA Rajnagar Stadium here, Auqib Nabi secured his fourth five-wicket haul in five innings (5/54) and became the season’s highest wicket-taker (60) as Karnataka folded for 293 and conceded a massive 291-run first-innings lead.

Then, the away batters – led by the delightfully unorthodox Qamran Iqbal (94 n.o., 160b, 11x4, 1x6), who enlivened proceedings not just through his shot-making but also via the banter he indulged in with Karnataka speedster V. Vyshak – battled their way to 186 for four to swell the advantage to 477 runs.

With just Saturday left, it is only a matter of time before J & K ascends the Indian domestic game’s pulpit for the first time ever.

Auqib Nabi celebrates a wicket with his teammates. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR