Karnataka Vs Jammu And Kashmir, Ranji Trophy Final, Day 2 Live: Shubham Pundir struck an excellent unbeaten century as Jammu and Kashmir closed on 284/2 at stumps on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy final against eight-time champions Karnataka in Hubli. The 27-year-old right-hander made 117 not out to develop into the primary Jammu and Kashmir batter to attain 100 in a Ranji Trophy final, guiding his side to a dominant position on the Hubli Cricket Ground.
Resuming the ultimate session well placed, Jammu and Kashmir briefly stumbled when Paras Dogra retired hurt after being struck by a pointy bouncer from Vijaykumar Vyshak. Dogra had made nine from 48 balls.
Abdul Samad ensured there was no further let-up. The aggressive right-hander counter-attacked, striking three successive boundaries within the 69th over to shift the pressure back on to Karnataka’s bowlers.
Earlier, Yawer Hassan had laid the platform with a fluent 88. After Jammu and Kashmir opted to bat, openers Qamran Iqbal and Yawer negotiated a testing new-ball spell before Prasidh Krishna removed Iqbal for six, caught at second slip by KL Rahul following extra bounce.
Pundir and Yawer then steadied the innings, taking the rating to 104/1 at lunch. The pair added a century partnership within the post-lunch session, rotating the strike effectively and punishing loose deliveries. By tea, Jammu and Kashmir were 178/2, they usually built steadily thereafter to complete a commanding first day on 284/2.