Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 24: Shubham Singh Pundir’s unbeaten century and a fighting 88 from young Yawer Hassan helped Jammu & Kashmir take command of the Ranji Trophy final, finishing Day 1 at 284 for two against a strong Karnataka side.
The 27-year-old left-handed Pundir was 117 not out at stumps, while Abdul Samad supported him with unbeaten 52, the pair adding 105 runs for the third wicket after skipper Paras Dogra retired hurt. Earlier, Pundir and Yawer shared a 139-run stand, laying the foundation for a commanding total against the eight-time champions Karnataka. Pundir reached his hundred in style, smashing Shikhar Shetty over deep mid-wicket and celebrating by raising his arms to the dressing room.
Winning the toss, Dogra opted to bat on a pitch expected to deteriorate and the decision was immediately justified. J&K lost opener Qamran Iqbal (6) early, edging a Prasidh Krishna delivery to KL Rahul at slip. However, Pundir and Yawer steadied the innings, taking the team to 104 for one at lunch, with Yawer unbeaten on 57 and Pundir on 38.
The duo battled a disciplined Karnataka attack, including pacers and leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal, the season’s leading wicket-taker, keeping the scoreboard ticking at around three an over. Yawer, who had gone nine games without a fifty, seized the big occasion, finding the boundary 13 times. He fell to Prasidh after prodding at an outside-off delivery, caught by Rahul at first slip.
Dogra’s innings ended prematurely after being hit on the neck by a Prasidh bouncer. The skipper received medical attention and made way for Samad, who joined Pundir to consolidate J&K’s position. The unbroken partnership between Pundir and Samad ensured Jammu & Kashmir finished the day strongly, putting them in a dominant position for the remainder of the final.
Excitement spilled over on social media, with Brig Anil Gupta, Member-Administration JKCA wrote on X, “Ranji Trophy Final: Day-1 dominated by J&K against strong Karnataka. Top order delivered when it mattered most. Two century stands speak volumes of our batting depth. Very well played. Yawer missed a ton, Pundir proved class, Samad is hungry. Carry on…!”
BRIEF SCORE:
J&K: 284 for 2 in 87 overs (Shubham Pundir 117 not out; Prasidh Krishna 2/36).
The post Pundir’s ton, Yawer, Samad’s fifties drive J&K to 284/2 on Day 1 appeared first on Daily Excelsior.