The Ranji Trophy Final dramatically turned in favor of the Jammu & Kashmir cricket team on Day 3, thanks to a deadly new-ball spell by Auqib Nabi that decimated the top order of Karnataka and gave the team a chance to win its first-ever title.
At the D.R. At Bendre Cricket Stadium, the massive first innings score of 584 by Jammu & Kashmir immediately put Karnataka on the back foot. Karnataka, facing immense pressure in their innings, faltered early and were now left with 183 for 5 at the drinks of the third session, still trailing by a massive 401 runs.
Auqib Nabi Unleashes a Match-Defining Spell
The highlight of the day was Nabi’s aggressive yet disciplined spell. Ending with figures of 3 for 30 in 13 overs, the right-arm seamer used his skillful movement and accuracy to devastating effect on Karnataka’s most experienced batsmen.
Nabi’s spell was immediate and deadly. The first major breakthrough came in the form of the big wicket of KL Rahul, who could only muster 13 runs off 39 deliveries. Consistently forced to play from the back foot by some excellent length outside off, Rahul eventually edged one behind after a nervy start to his innings.
Karnataka’s Senior Batters Crumble Under Pressure
Nabi struck again soon after, dismissing Karun Nair for a nine-ball duck. A delivery that straightened well exposed Nair’s indecision about the off-stump channel, leaving Karnataka suddenly wobbling.
The pressure mounted further when Nabi struck spin-bowling all-rounder S. Ravichandran for a golden duck in the same over. Within the span of just six overs, Karnataka went from a defensive start to a full-blown top-order meltdown.
Earlier, Jammu & Kashmir had already struck the first blow when skipper Devdutt Padikkal was cheaply sent back, further adding to the woes of the hosts.
Mayank Agarwal Stands Tall in a Losing Cause
In the midst of all the action at the other end, Mayank Agarwal showed what can be achieved when a batsman applies himself thoroughly.
The right-handed batsman remained unbeaten till drinks break of the 3rd session on day 3 as he was on 116 from 177 balls, with 17 boundaries, as he displayed the patience needed on a surface that still had some seam movement left.
His partnerships with the lower middle order prevented Karnataka from being completely humiliated, but the absence of any support from the top order ensured that the hosts never really got back on top of the session.
Scorecard Snapshot: Jammu & Kashmir Dominate Day 3
At the drinks break of the last session of Day 3, Karnataka were 183 for 5. Apart from Agarwal, the only other player who showed some signs of resistance was Shreyas Gopal, who scored 27 off 83 deliveries. Nabi was the leading wicket-taker with three, while the support spells ensured that the run rate was well under control.
Why This Session Could Define the Final
Karnataka are now staring at a monumental task to avoid conceding a crushing first innings lead. For Jammu & Kashmir, the plan has been simple yet effective – build a massive score and then apply consistent new-ball pressure through Nabi and his seamers.
More than just a numbers game, Nabi’s spell also reinforced his growing reputation as one of the most consistent fast bowlers in the domestic scene. Calm in its execution and ruthless in its intent, Nabi delivered when the final most needed it. Also read: ICC World Cup 2026 Qualification Scenario: How India Can Qualify for the Semi-Finals? Know Complete Details here
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