Day 3 of theRanji Trophy finalbetweenKarnataka and Jammu & Kashmirsaw a tense battle unfold at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground as Karnataka tried to claw back into contention after conceding a massive first-innings total of584. Jammu & Kashmir’s batting depth, highlighted by multiple big scores including a century fromShubham Pundir, had earlier put them in a strong position.
Karnataka’s reply early on was rocked by disciplined bowling from J&K’s seamers, withAuqib Nabi Darstriking thrice to dent the hosts’ top order. At one stage, Karnataka looked in trouble at57/4, with the scoreboard under pressure.
EnterMayank Agarwal, the seasoned opener who has produced a crucial fightback. He steadied the innings with a gritty century — his21st first-class hundred— holding one end strong and gradually rebuilding Karnataka’s innings. His performance was backed by important partnerships with lower-order batters likeShreyas Gopal, helping Karnataka post220/5by stumps on Day 3. Though still trailing substantially, Mayank’s knock has kept Karnataka in the contest and prevented a collapse.
The match, poised intriguingly at stumps, reflects a classic domestic final drama: J&K’s first-innings dominance versus Karnataka’s resilience. As the final progresses, both sides will look to capitalize on momentum — J&K aiming to enforce their advantage, while Karnataka hope to build on Day 3’s recovery.
