Can Karnataka Pull Off The Impossible With A 477-Run Deficit Against J&K?

Jammu and Kashmir moved firmly into the driver’s seat against Karnataka on Day 4 of the Ranji Trophy final, thanks to an unbeaten 94 from Qamran Iqbal that pushed their overall lead to a commanding 477 runs. At stumps at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground, J&K were 186/4 in their second innings after already securing a massive first-innings advantage.

Resuming with a strong position from the first innings, Jammu and Kashmir had earlier posted 584, to which Karnataka responded with 293. The visiting side’s pace spearhead, Auqib Nabi, played a crucial role, adding two more wickets to his overnight tally of three and ensuring Karnataka could not narrow the deficit. His disciplined bowling kept the pressure firmly on the hosts throughout the day.

Karnataka’s batting effort revolved largely around captain Mayank Agarwal, who produced a fighting 160. However, the lack of substantial contributions from the rest of the lineup meant the team fell well short of J&K’s imposing first-innings total. Once Agarwal departed, the lower order failed to resist for long, allowing the visitors to maintain complete control of proceedings.

Also Read: T20 WC 2026: New Zealand Face England In Do-Or-Die T20 World Cup Super 8 Clash

In their second innings, Jammu and Kashmir faced an early wobble with a top-order collapse, but Qamran Iqbal anchored the recovery with a composed and patient knock. Supported by Sahil Lotra, who remained unbeaten on 16 at stumps, Qamran ensured the lead ballooned further and effectively batted Karnataka out of realistic contention.

With one day remaining, Karnataka faces a near-impossible task to pull off a turnaround, while Jammu and Kashmir stands on the verge of scripting history in their maiden Ranji Trophy final appearance. The psychological advantage, scoreboard pressure, and time remaining all heavily favour the visitors heading into the final day.

If Jammu and Kashmir complete the job on Day 5, it would mark a landmark moment for the team in India’s premier domestic red-ball competition. Karnataka, meanwhile, will need an extraordinary performance with both ball and bat to keep their hopes alive and prevent what appears to be an inevitable title triumph for the visitors.

Also Read: From Army Dreams to RCB Finisher: Jitesh Sharma’s Accidental Cricket Journey