Hubbali: Jammu and Kashmir inched closer to a historic maiden Ranji Trophy title triumph after taking a massive first-innings lead against Karnataka on the fourth and penultimate day of the summit showdown here on Friday.
Replying to Jammu and Kashmir’s first innings total of 584, Karnataka were all out for 293 to hand the determined visitors a lead of 291 runs.
By stumps, Jammu and Kashmir, who decided not to enforce follow-on, consolidated their position and stretched their overall lead over Karnataka to 477 runs, having reached 186 for four in their second innings.
Nabi, who is now the highest wicket-taker of the season, wreaked havoc on Karnataka’s batting order. He dismissed KL Rahul, Karun Nair, and Smaran Ravichandran to put J&K in a strong position. After taking the second new ball, Nabi sent Agarwal packing for 160 runs and completed his five-wicket haul by trapping Shikhar Shetty in front of the wicket. His efforts meant Karnataka, who started Day 3 at 220/5, were folded for 293. Notably, J&K posted 584/10 while batting first.
Nabi finished his spell with 5/54 in 23 over (7 maidens). He has raced to 60 wickets across 10 games (17 innings) this season. The pacer went past Uttarakhand’s Mayank Mishra’s tally of 59 scalps to become the leading wicket-taker of the season. Nabi’s average of 12.56 is the best among bowlers with at least 22 scalps. The pacer’s tally of seven five-wicket hauls is also the most for any bowler in the season (4W: 2).
Agarwal, who resumed the day at 130 n.o, departed for 160 off 26 balls, a knock laced with 21 fours. This was his 21st hundred in First-Class cricket, as he also boasts 48 fifties. The out-of-favor Indian Test opener has now raced to 8,929 FC runs at an average of around 44. In the ongoing Ranji season, Agarwal has scored six 50-plus scores in 10 matches (100s: 2). The tally includes 678 runs at an average of 42.37.
