Auqib Nabi’s Key Wicket Keeps J&K in Ranji Trophy Final Control

HUBLI (Azat TV) – Jammu & Kashmir’s fast bowler Auqib Nabi Dar delivered a crucial early blow to Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy Final on Thursday, securing the vital wicket of opener KL Rahul on Day 3. This breakthrough, Nabi’s 56th of the season, further solidified Jammu & Kashmir’s commanding position against Karnataka at the Hubli Cricket Ground, after posting a formidable first-innings total of 584 runs.

As Karnataka began their first innings response, Nabi, alongside new-ball partner Sunil Kumar, maintained exceptional discipline. They bowled tight lines, extracted movement, and consistently pressured Karnataka’s openers, KL Rahul and captain Mayank Agarwal. Nabi’s relentless accuracy saw him deliver consecutive maidens and frequently beat Rahul’s bat outside the off stump, setting the stage for his decisive strike.

Nabi’s Key Breakthrough in Ranji Trophy Final

The pivotal moment arrived when Auqib Nabi bowled a skiddy, back-of-a-length delivery that straightened after pitching, inducing a faint edge from KL Rahul. Wicketkeeper Kanhaiya Wadhawan safely gathered the ball, and the decision was confirmed after a successful review, sending Rahul back to the pavilion with Karnataka at 27/1 in 11.2 overs. This early dismissal was critical for Jammu & Kashmir, disrupting Karnataka’s cautious start.

Despite the setback, Karnataka’s batters, including Mayank Agarwal (unbeaten on 16) and Devdutt Padikkal (4*), showed patience against Jammu & Kashmir’s disciplined attack, reaching 35/1 by Lunch on Day 3. Yudhvir Singh Charak also bowled probing spells with good pace and movement but remained wicketless in the session.

Jammu & Kashmir’s Batting Dominance

Earlier in the day, Jammu & Kashmir completed their impressive first innings, posting a mammoth 584 all out. Karnataka pacer Prasidh Krishna was the standout bowler, claiming a five-wicket haul for 98 runs. Krishna dismissed Abid Mushtaq for 28 and later claimed Auqib Nabi Dar for just two runs, who edged a fuller ball to Kruthik Krishna. Despite Krishna’s efforts, Jammu & Kashmir’s batting lineup displayed collective brilliance, with six of their top seven batters scoring at least 60 runs.

Shubham Pundir led the charge with a century (121), supported by half-centuries from Yawer Hassan (88), Sahil Lotra (72), Kanhaiya Wadhawan (70), Paras Dogra (70), and Abdul Samad (61). Sahil Lotra’s patient 72 was crucial in anchoring the lower order before he fell to Vyshak. Yudhvir Singh Charak added late momentum with a brisk 30, helping Jammu & Kashmir secure a substantial first-innings total and firm control over the match, as reported by IANSlive.in and NewsBytesApp.

Nabi’s Consistent Performance

Auqib Nabi Dar’s performance in the final is a continuation of his strong season. Beyond his crucial wicket in the Ranji Trophy Final, Nabi was also instrumental in Jammu & Kashmir’s semi-final clash against Bengal. In that match, he claimed an impressive 4 wickets for 36 runs, contributing significantly to restricting Bengal’s second innings to just 99 runs, as detailed by TheNewsMill. His consistent ability to take wickets and maintain pressure has been a key factor in Jammu & Kashmir’s successful Ranji Trophy campaign.

The early breakthrough by Auqib Nabi Dar in the Ranji Trophy Final underscores the strategic importance of early wickets in multi-day cricket, significantly shifting momentum and placing immense pressure on the opposing team to overcome a substantial deficit.