Jammu & Kashmir moved to the brink of a historic maiden Ranji Trophy title after seizing firm control of the final against Karnataka in Hubli. In their first-ever appearance in the summit clash, J&K piled up a massive 584 in the first innings and then dismantled Karnataka for 293, securing a commanding 291-run lead. With the first-innings advantage in hand, even a draw would now be enough for J&K to lift the trophy.
Ganguly backs Nabi for England opportunity
Nabi’s performance in the final capped off a remarkable season. With 60 wickets in 10 matches, he stands as the highest wicket-taker of the campaign. He claimed 12 wickets in the quarter-final, nine in the semi-final, and has now delivered a match-defining spell in the final, underlining his big-match temperament.
Also Read । Tilak Varma shines at No. 6 with explosive 44 off 16, says he is ready to bat anywhere for the team
Former India captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly publicly praised J&K’s effort and backed Nabi for national selection. In a post on X, Ganguly wrote, "Aqib Nabi on his way to national colours .. England is the place to start in the summer."
With Delhi Capitals having secured him for ₹8.4 crore in the IPL, where he will share the dressing room with Rahul, the fast bowler is rapidly emerging as a serious contender for a national call-up ahead of future overseas tours.
J&K has shown the world what effort and intent can do ..They have made that region so proud of them .. tuff environment makes tuff people. Aqib nabi on his way to national colours .. england is the place to start in the summer @bcci @imAagarkar @lonsaikia
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) February 27, 2026
Nabi’s five-for puts Karnataka on the back foot
The turning point of the contest came through a fiery spell from 29-year-old pacer Auqib Nabi, who once again rose to the occasion. Bowling 23 overs, including seven maidens, Nabi returned outstanding figures of 5 for 54 to derail Karnataka’s batting line-up.
His key dismissals included KL Rahul (caught), Karun Nair (bowled), Smaran Ravichandran (caught), Mayank Agarwal (lbw) and Shikhar Shetty (lbw). Although Agarwal struck a determined 160, Karnataka’s resistance crumbled soon after his departure.
Also Read । Phoenix Suns edge Los Angeles Lakers 113-110 with last-second three
Ironically, Nabi had earlier endured a bizarre dismissal, edging a delivery from Prasidh Krishna onto his helmet before it carried to the wicketkeeper. He managed just two runs, but responded emphatically with the ball, removing Rahul before sending Nair and Smaran back in quick succession.
