Shubham Pundir led from the front with a calm and classy unbeaten century as Jammu and Kashmir ended the first day of their maiden Ranji Trophy final in a commanding position against Karnataka at KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground, Hubli
J&K's position at stumps
At stumps, J&K were 284 for 2, with Pundir batting solidly on 117. Abdul Samad was giving him company on 52, and the pair had already added 105 runs together after captain Paras Dogra had to leave the field due to injury.
Pundir built the foundation after Qamran Iqbal's dismissal
Earlier in the day, Pundir built the foundation of the innings with young Yawer Hassan. The two put on an important 139-run partnership for the second wicket after J&K lost opener Qamran Iqbal early. Qamran was dismissed for 6, edging a delivery from Prasidh Krishna to KL Rahul at slip.
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Pundir and Yawer shifted the momentum of the game
After that early setback, Pundir and Yawer settled in. It wasn’t easy batting. The pitch had some movement, and Karnataka’s bowlers were disciplined with their lines. There were a few close calls and edges that didn’t carry, but the duo stayed patient. By lunch, J&K had reached 104 for 1, with Yawer looking confident on 57 and Pundir steady on 38.
Yawer, playing in his first Ranji final, showed great composure. The 22-year-old, who had not scored a fifty in his last nine matches, chose the big stage to step up. He struck 13 boundaries in his well-made 88. Just when he looked set for a hundred, he edged another Prasidh delivery to Rahul at slip, similar to the first wicket of the day.
Prasidh Krishna tested the batters with sharp bouncers
There were some tense moments in the middle. Prasidh tested the batters with sharp bouncers. Yawer was hit on the body by one such delivery and needed medical attention. Later, captain Dogra was struck on the neck by a rising ball. Though there was an appeal for a catch, replays showed there was no edge. However, Dogra seemed uncomfortable after taking a few blows and eventually walked off the field on the advice of the team staff.
Pundir brought up his century in style
Once Samad joined Pundir, the pair batted confidently. Pundir brought up his century in style, smashing a six over deep mid-wicket and celebrating by raising his bat towards the dressing room. Together, he and Samad ensured J&K finished the day firmly on top, leaving Karnataka searching for breakthroughs.
Brief Score:
J&K: 284 for 2 in 87 overs (Shubham Pundir 117 not out; Prasidh Krishna 2/36).