J&K on verge of historic Ranji Trophy triumph after Day 4 masterclass

What started as a dream has now become reality in the most dramatic way possible. After a dominant Day 4 performance, Jammu & Kashmir continued to tighten their grip on the Ranji Trophy Final , finishing Day 5 in control and moments away from winning their first-ever title in the tournament’s history .

The Valley side built on their massive 477‑run lead at stumps on Day 4 , riding the momentum from a brilliant bowling display and dependable batting earlier in the week. Their pressure proved overwhelming for eight‑time champions Karnataka throughout the final stages of the match.

At the heart of J&K’s dominance has been pacer Auqib Nabi , whose fiery bowling has repeatedly stalled Karnataka’s innings. Nabi now sits among the elite fast bowlers in Ranji history, crossing the 60‑wicket mark for the season , a remarkable milestone that has captured national attention. His relentless accuracy and aggression dismantled Karnataka’s batting lineup on multiple occasions during the final, helping his team seize control and keep the hosts under constant pressure.

While Qamran Iqbal’s unbeaten 94 on Day 4 anchored J&K’s second innings, other batters including Sahil Lotra and Paras Dogra provided crucial support. Their collective effort ensured that J&K maintained an overwhelming advantage heading into the final day’s play. This composed batting, backed by disciplined bowling, has put the team within striking distance of a historic title — and fans across the country have taken notice of this remarkable journey.

Beyond the numbers and statistics, J&K’s performance has ignited a wave of enthusiasm among cricket followers nationwide. Social media buzz, community conversations in mohallas, and a renewed optimism among young fans reflect an energy that few Ranji finals have produced. Their run has become a narrative of belief, discipline, and the rewriting of cricketing perceptions.

As play continues, it’s clear this final has already altered how Indian domestic cricket views Jammu & Kashmir, not through stereotypes, but through sheer competitive excellence and a scoreboard that speaks volumes. No matter the ultimate result, J&K have already achieved something rare : a moment that transcends sport and brings fresh hope to a passionate fan base.