Ranji Trophy: Jammu & Kashmir inch closer to maiden title as Karnataka still trailing behind 477 runs

Jammu and Kashmir are on the brink of a historic first Ranji Trophy title as they continued to dominate Karnataka on Day 4 of the summit clash. After amassing a massive first-innings total of 584, the visitors bundled out the eight-time champions for 293, securing a commanding 291-run lead.

Despite having the option to enforce the follow-on, Jammu and Kashmir chose to bat again, ending the day at 186 for four. This strategic move stretched their overall lead to a formidable 477 runs by stumps. Opener Qamran Iqbal remains the anchor of the second innings, finishing the day unbeaten on 94, while Sahil Lotra provided support with 16 not out.

Karnataka’s batting struggled to match the collective depth shown by J&K. While veteran opener Mayank Agarwal played a defiant lone hand with a brilliant 160, he found little support from the rest of the star-studded home lineup.

The collapse was largely engineered by India’s rising pace sensation, Auqib Nabi. Building on his momentum from the third day, Nabi finished with exceptional figures of 5/54 in 23 overs. His standout performance this season, now totaling 60 wickets, has not only placed J&K on the doorstep of history but has also reportedly caught the serious attention of national selectors.