Hubli (Karnataka), Feb 26 (NationPress) The opening batsman Mayank Agarwal delivered a stunning century to lead Karnataka in their fightback, yet Jammu and Kashmir maintained a strong grip on the match at the end of Day 3 of the Ranji Trophy final at Hubli Cricket Ground. The home team concluded the day at 220/5, trailing significantly behind the visitors' first-innings score of 584.

Starting the day with Jammu and Kashmir’s lower-order batsmen at the crease, Karnataka made an early breakthrough thanks to Prasidh Krishna, who achieved a remarkable five-wicket haul while the visitors added 57 runs to their overnight score. Key contributions from Sahil Lotra (72), Abid Mushtaq (28), and Yudhvir Singh Charak (30) propelled Jammu and Kashmir to a strong total of 584, establishing a solid foundation in the final.

Confronted with a daunting target, Karnataka began their innings with caution but faced an early blow when Auqib Nabi Dar dismissed KL Rahul before lunch, leaving the hosts at 35/1. Nabi's disciplined seam bowling created constant pressure for Jammu and Kashmir.

The visitors intensified their dominance in a damaging spell after lunch. Sunil Kumar quickly took the wicket of Devdutt Padikkal, and then Nabi delivered a remarkable performance by taking two wickets in two balls, dismissing Karun Nair and Smaran Ravichandran. This left Karnataka reeling at 57/4, with the threat of a collapse looming.

In the face of adversity, Mayank showcased outstanding character and composure. Initially cautious against the moving ball, he gradually took control, effectively rotating the strike and capitalizing on loose deliveries. His steady presence helped Karnataka stabilize their innings, forming a vital partnership of 105 runs with Shreyas Gopal.

Mayank celebrated reaching his century in the final session, receiving cheers from the home crowd as he achieved the milestone with a single off Sahil Lotra. This remarkable innings highlighted his determination on a pitch where bowlers were finding considerable assistance.

However, Jammu and Kashmir responded at a critical moment when Yudhvir Singh Charak trapped Gopal lbw for 27, breaking the promising partnership and shifting the momentum back to the visitors.

Unfazed, Mayank continued to lead the innings and found crucial support in Kruthik Krishna. Together, they displayed resilience and discipline against a challenging bowling attack, preventing further damage in the day's closing moments. Mayank experienced a moment of tension late in the day when wicketkeeper Kanhaiya Wadhawan dropped a catch off Abid Mushtaq while he was on 124.

At stumps, Mayank remained not out on a commendable 130 off 207 balls, while Kruthik Krishna supported him with an unbeaten 27. Their unbroken partnership lifted Karnataka to 220/5, but the team still trails by 364 runs and must focus on avoiding the follow-on.

For Jammu and Kashmir, Auqib was the standout bowler, taking three crucial wickets, while Sunil Kumar and Yudhvir contributed one each.

Despite Mayank’s valiant effort, Jammu and Kashmir maintain a strong command over the match after three days. Karnataka’s chances now heavily depend on the opener, whose determination will be vital as they aim to close the gap and keep their hopes alive heading into Day 4.

Brief scores:

Jammu & Kashmir 584 all out (Shubham Pundir 121, Yawer Hassan 88, Sahil Lotra 72, Kanhaiya Wadhawan 70, Paras Dogra 70; Prasidh Krishna 5-98) lead Karnataka 220/5 in 69 overs (Mayank Agarwal 130 not out, Kruthik Krishna 27 not out; Auqib Nabi Dar 3-32) by 364 runs.