Jammu and Kashmir stamped their authority on the Ranji Trophy Elite 2025-26 summit clash, reaching 284 for 2 on a sun-kissed first day at KSCA Hubli. Shubham Pundir’s unbeaten 117 anchored the innings after the team won the toss and batted, putting Karnataka on the back foot.
The top order wobbled briefly with Kamran Iqbal out for 6 at 18. Yawar Hasan then unleashed, smashing 88 with 13 fours off 150 balls in a 139-run rescue act with Pundir. Captain Paras Dogra chipped in 9 before retiring hurt after a 22-run stand.
Pundir shifted gears with Abdul Samad, their 105-run partnership off 144 balls unbroken at stumps. Pundir faced 221 balls for his ton-plus knock (12×4, 2×6), with Samad racing to 52 (5×4, 1×6) from 67 balls.
Only Prasidh Krishna shone for Karnataka, bagging 2/36. Dogra’s men hunt their first Ranji crown, while Padikkal’s Karnataka seek a record ninth. Day two promises fireworks as the hosts bid to disrupt J&K’s momentum.