Jammu and Kashmir scripts history; defeats Karnataka to win first-ever Ranji Trophy title

J&K batters continued to frustrate Karnataka on the final day as the visitors won the title by virtue of the first-innings lead.

Jammu and Kashmir scripted history by clinching their maiden Ranji Trophy title in 67 years at the KSCA Rajnagar Stadium in Hubballi on Saturday.

J&K batters continued to frustrate the hosts on the final day and added 156 more runs to the total without any loss to extend their lead ta mammoth 635 before both the captains decided to call off the game.

Opener Qamran Iqbal who resumed on 94, remained unbeaten on 160 while while Sahil Lotra registered his maiden First Class ton as Karnataka bowlers toiled without much success for over 113 overs.

In what was resignation move, captain Devdutt Padikkal turned to India wicketkeeper KL Rahul to send down a few overs.

The Paras Dogra-led J&K dominated each of the five days. After electing to bat first, the team piled up 584 with a century from Shubham Pundir.

Five other batters including opener Yawer Hassan, Dogra, Abdul Samad, Kanhiya Wadhawan and Lotra registered half-centuries.

Prasidh Kirshna stood out for Karnataka with five wickets, in an otherwise sorry performance.

The hosts then suffered a dramatic top-order collapse on Day 3, even as Mayank Agarwal saved the blushes with a fighting 160.

Auquib Nabi Dar, who is the highest wicket-taker of the season, did the star turn with a five-wicket haul.

J&K piled on the misery by asking Karnataka to bowl again and batted for overs to play out a draw and clinch the trophy by the virtue of a first innings lead.