The atmosphere in Hubballi’s Rajnagar neighborhood was electric and tightly regulated from the early hours of Saturday. With Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah arriving in the city to witness the potential triumph, security was heightened to an unprecedented level. Police patrols and sirens signaled the arrival of high-ranking officials, while the stadium itself was transformed into a high-security zone. Despite the rigorous checks, nearly 20,000 spectators turned out over the five days, with 7,000 fans packed into the stands on the final day to witness what many felt was an inevitable crowning.
On the field, the narrative was driven by the bats of Qamran Iqbal and Sahil Lotra. Any hopes Karnataka harbored of a miraculous turnaround were swiftly extinguished as the duo put on a masterclass in risk-free batting. Iqbal reached a majestic 160 not out, marking his second first-class century, while Lotra registered his maiden ton (101) with a flourish. Their celebrations—ranging from Lotra’s energetic push-ups to a spirited "thigh-five"—reflected a team playing with immense confidence. The pair batted through nearly two full sessions on Day 5 without losing a single wicket, pushing the lead beyond reach and forcing the captains to shake hands at 2:11 pm.
While the centuries provided the final-day fireworks, the foundation of this triumph was built on J&K’s massive first-innings total of 584, anchored by Pundir’s 121, and a disciplined bowling performance led by Auqib Nabi. Nabi, who concluded a career-defining season with a record 60 wickets, was the emotional heartbeat of the side. As the match concluded and the J&K players stormed the pitch to embrace Lotra and Iqbal, the crowd erupted in a symphony of dhols and fireworks. Karnataka, though defeated on their home turf, showed immense grace, acknowledging the superior performance of a J&K side that has now firmly established itself as a new force in the elite tier of Indian cricket.
This victory transcends a mere sports trophy; it represents a coming-of-age for Jammu & Kashmir cricket. By overcoming a traditional giant like Karnataka, J&K has signaled a broader decentralization of power within the Ranji Trophy, proving that consistency and tactical discipline can overcome historical pedigree. As Auqib Nabi was hoisted onto his teammates' shoulders to acknowledge the cheering fans, the magnitude of the feat began to resonate across the cricketing fraternity. This maiden title is expected to serve as a catalyst for infrastructure development and renewed interest in the sport across the region, marking the beginning of a new era for the game in the North.
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