Jammu and Kashmir is featuring in the Ranji Trophy final for the first time in the history of the domestic red-ball tournament which is taking place at KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground, Hubli.
Jammu and Kashmir put up a mammoth first-innings total of 584, putting themselves in a strong position early in the game. In reply, Karnataka were 35 for 1 at lunch on Day 3 but slipped to 98 for 4 in the next session. With plenty of time left but a big gap to cover, a draw is still very much possible.
But here’s the important thing: unlike league matches, a Ranji Trophy final cannot simply end without a winner. There has to be a champion.
How the winner is decided
In the Ranji Trophy final, the first-innings lead plays a key role. If neither team manages to win outright, meaning no team bowls the other out twice or successfully chases a target, then the team that scores more runs in the first innings is declared the winner.
This rule is meant to reward the team that performs better over the longer stretch of the match.
What needs to happen?
Scenario 1: Karnataka win the title
If Karnataka score 585 or more, they will go past Jammu and Kashmir’s 584 and take the first-innings lead. Even if the match later ends in a draw, Karnataka would then be crowned champions. It’s a tough task, but it’s their clearest path to lifting the trophy.
ALSO READ: Team India advised to prioritise win against Zimbabwe rather than 'worrying about net-run-rate'
Scenario 2: Jammu and Kashmir win the title
If Karnataka are bowled out for less than 584, Jammu and Kashmir keep the first-innings lead. In that case, even if the match finishes without a result, Jammu and Kashmir will be declared Ranji Trophy winners. Right now, they are in a strong position thanks to their big total and early wickets.
Scenario 3: Play cannot be completed
In rare situations, such as rain or time running out before Karnataka’s innings is completed, and no first-innings comparison is possible, tournament rules may fall back on group-stage performance (points earned earlier in the season). But usually, the first-innings lead is what decides the champion.