Jammu and Kashmir are on the cusp of scripting a remarkable chapter in Indian domestic cricket history by reaching their maiden Ranji Trophy final. In a gripping semi-final against Bengal at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani, the Himalayan side dominated with disciplined bowling led by uncapped pacer Auqib Nabi’s match-haul of nine wickets, outshining even Mohammed Shami’s career-best eight-for. Despite trailing by 26 runs in the first innings, J&K bowled Bengal out cheaply in the second to set up a modest chase of 126, finishing Day 3 at 43 for 2 and needing just 83 more runs for victory. This breakthrough performance marks their first-ever final appearance after 67 years in the competition, showcasing resilience, emerging talent, and a fairytale run through the tournament.
Historic Chase on the Horizon for Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir’s campaign in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy has been nothing short of extraordinary, transforming a team long considered underdogs into genuine contenders for the prestigious title. Their semi-final clash against a formidable Bengal side, packed with international experience including Mohammed Shami, has highlighted the depth and determination within the squad.
The match began with Bengal electing to bat first and posting a competitive 328 in their opening innings. Contributions came from several batters, but J&K’s bowling attack refused to let the total balloon out of control. Auqib Nabi emerged as the standout performer, claiming a five-wicket haul to restrict the hosts and keep his team in the contest. His ability to extract movement and maintain relentless pressure on the Bengal lineup set the tone for what would become a match-defining display.
In response, Jammu and Kashmir fought hard but fell short of taking the first-innings lead, finishing at 302. Key knocks came from Abdul Samad, who smashed a fluent 82, and captain Paras Dogra with a gritty 58. These efforts ensured the deficit remained manageable at just 26 runs. Shami, however, produced a masterclass with the ball, finishing with figures of 8 for 90—his best in first-class cricket—to dismantle the lower order and give Bengal a slim advantage.
The turning point arrived in Bengal’s second innings. Collapsing under sustained pressure from J&K’s pacers, the hosts were bundled out for a mere 99. Nabi added four more wickets to his tally, taking his match figures to an impressive nine for 123, while Sunil Kumar chipped in with four scalps. The dramatic bowling effort flipped the script entirely, leaving Bengal shell-shocked and J&K with a gettable target of 126.
Resuming on Day 4 with the equation firmly in their favor, J&K’s batters approached the chase with composure. Early wickets created some nerves, but the middle order steadied the ship. Vanshaj Sharma played an unbeaten knock of 43, anchoring the innings, while Abdul Samad provided explosive support with an unbeaten 30 off just 27 balls, including aggressive strokes to accelerate toward the finish line. The victory came by six wickets, sealing a historic milestone.
This triumph is built on the foundation laid earlier in the tournament. J&K’s journey included a stunning quarter-final win over Madhya Pradesh, where Nabi delivered a 12-wicket haul to propel them into the semis for the first time. Their league phase performance was equally impressive, topping their Elite Group with five wins and two draws, amassing 35 points and boasting a strong quotient of 1.577.
Key Performers in the Semi-Final:
Auqib Nabi : 9 wickets (5 in first innings, 4 in second) + useful lower-order runs; emerging as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with over 50 scalps this season.
Abdul Samad : 82 in first innings, 30* in chase; provided momentum with aggressive batting.
Paras Dogra : 58 as captain; led from the front with steady contributions.
Sunil Kumar : 4 wickets in Bengal’s second innings collapse.
Bengal’s star power, including Shami’s eight-for and efforts from Sudip Gharami earlier in the season, proved insufficient against J&K’s collective resolve. The defeat ends Bengal’s pursuit of a third title, having been runners-up in recent editions.
With this win, Jammu and Kashmir advance to face the winner of the other semi-final—likely Karnataka, who hold a massive lead against Uttarakhand. The final promises to be a clash of contrasting narratives: one team chasing a record-extending title, the other aiming to cap their dream run with ultimate glory.
This moment transcends cricket for the region, inspiring pride across Jammu and Kashmir. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have lauded the team’s achievement, recognizing it as a golden chapter in the Union Territory’s sporting history.
As the team prepares for the final showdown, their focus remains sharp on sustaining the momentum that has carried them this far against all odds.
Disclaimer: This is a news report based on ongoing cricket events. Information is for informational purposes only and subject to change as matches conclude.