Ranji Trophy | Nabi, Iqbal take Jammu & Kashmir close to their maiden title

After bowling out Karnataka for 293, J&K made 186 for four in their second innings to push their overall lead to 477.

Jammu and Kashmir are on the cusp of their maiden Ranji Trophy title after putting Karnataka on the backfoot on the penultimate day of the final at Karnataka State Cricket Association in Rajnagar, Hubballi on Friday (February 27)

Resuming at their overnight score of 220 for five, Karnataka lost their last five wickets for 73 runs to be bowled out for 293 with with Aaquib Nabi doing the star turn for the visitors with figures of five for 54.

The visitors, despite taking a 291-run lead, did not enforce follow on with opener Qamran Iqbal making an unbeaten 94 as J&K made 186 for four in their second innings to push their overall lead to 477.

Karnataka's performance with the bat was a far cry from the collective effort by J&K as, barring seasoned opener Mayank Agarwal's defiant 160-run knock, none of the home team batters made any significant contributions.

Having rocked the star-studded home team with his pace on the third day, Nabi ended with excellent figures of 5/54 in 23 overs to continue his superb run of form this season that has got the country talking and the national selectors take note of his exploits.

Nabi has now claimed 60 wickets so far in this Ranji season.

Omar to attend last day's action

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is travelling to Hubballi to watch the the final day's action.

"On our way to Hubli to cheer the J&K cricket team as they play the final of the Ranji Trophy. They’ve already made lakhs of people so very proud of their achievements by reaching the final. I’m really looking forward to spending the day tomorrow in the stands cheering them on," Omar tweeted.

(With inputs from agencies)