In a stunning display of grit and determination, Jammu and Kashmir scripted a historic victory by defeating powerhouse Bengal by 6 wickets in the Ranji Trophy semi-final at Kalyani’s Bengal Cricket Academy Ground. This triumph marks the first time J&K has advanced to the national championship final, a monumental achievement for the team from the Union Territory.
Chasing a modest target of 126 runs, J&K navigated early setbacks to secure the win with Vanshraj Sharma remaining unbeaten on 43 and Abdul Samad on 30. Their unbroken 55-run partnership steered the team home comfortably in the fourth innings.
Earlier, J&K captain won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that paid dividends. Bengal posted 328 in their first innings, powered by Sudip Kumar’s masterful 146, skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran’s 49, Shahbaz Ahmed’s 42, and Sumanta Gupta’s 39. J&K’s bowlers fought back fiercely, with Aquib Nabi claiming a five-wicket haul (5/??), Sunil Kumar grabbing 3, and Yudhvir Singh and Abid Mushtaq taking one each.
Responding stoutly, J&K were bowled out for 302 in their first dig. Abdul Samad top-scored with 82, while captain Paras Dogra contributed 58 and Aquib Nabi added 42. Yudhvir Singh chipped in with 22. Bengal’s Mohammed Shami was the wrecker-in-chief with 8 wickets, supported by Mukesh Kumar’s 2.
Securing a slim 26-run lead, Bengal collapsed dramatically in their second innings, folding for just 99. Aquib Nabi and Sunil Kumar shared eight wickets (4 each), with Abid Mushtaq mopping up 2.
Aquib Nabi’s match-winning performance – 9 wickets across both innings and a crucial 42 runs – earned him the Player of the Match award. J&K now eyes the title, ready to make further history in the final.