Ranji Trophy Semi-Final: Jammu & Kashmir Register Historic Win Over Bengal with Six-Wicket
By:- Aijaz Rather
Jammu & Kashmir scripted a historic chapter in domestic cricket by booking their first-ever place in the Ranji Trophy final after a commanding victory over Bengal in the semifinal at Kalyani on Wednesday.
Chasing a target of 126, J&K completed the task with confidence, reaching 126/4 in 34.4 overs. The winning runs came in emphatic fashion — a six that sparked jubilant celebrations and sealed a landmark moment for the team.
The victory was powered by an outstanding all-round effort, spearheaded by pacer Auqib Nabi Dar, who proved decisive across both innings. After scoring a crucial 42 in the first innings, he returned to dismantle Bengal’s batting in the second, finishing with 4/36 and a remarkable nine-wicket match haul.
Earlier, Bengal had posted 328 in their first innings. Jammu & Kashmir replied with 302, conceding a narrow 26-run lead despite a sensational spell from Mohammed Shami, who claimed 8/90. A vital 64-run ninth-wicket partnership between Auqib Nabi (42) and Yudhvir Singh (33) ensured J&K stayed firmly in contention.
The match swung decisively when J&K’s pace attack bundled Bengal out for just 99 in the second innings. Sunil Kumar provided strong support with 4/27, while Shahbaz Ahmed’s 24 was the only notable resistance.
In the chase, J&K suffered early jolts at 12/2, but the middle order steadied the innings. Shubham Pundir held firm, Vanshaj Sharma top-scored with a composed 43, and Abdul Samad added impetus with a brisk 30 off 27 balls, including three sixes, ensuring a smooth finish.
The victory represents the most significant milestone in Jammu & Kashmir’s Ranji journey — a transformation from competing for qualification to standing on the threshold of national glory. The team will now head into the final with momentum and the hopes of an entire region behind them.
The achievement has sparked celebrations across the Union Territory, with former players, cricket administrators, and fans hailing the result as a turning point for the region’s cricketing landscape. The team’s disciplined bowling unit and resilient lower-order batting throughout the season have been widely credited for this breakthrough campaign.
Coaches and support staff also played a crucial role behind the scenes, focusing on fitness, consistency, and match temperament — factors that have transformed J&K into one of the most competitive sides of the season. Their ability to seize key moments, particularly with the ball, has been a defining trait of the campaign.
This historic qualification is expected to inspire a new generation of cricketers from Jammu & Kashmir, reinforcing belief that players from the region can compete at the highest level of India’s domestic circuit. Grassroots cricket initiatives and improved infrastructure in recent years have begun to yield visible results, with the team’s success seen as a culmination of sustained development efforts.
As J&K now prepares for the final, the focus will shift to maintaining momentum, managing pressure, and fine-tuning combinations. Regardless of the outcome, reaching the summit clash already stands as a defining milestone — one that has firmly placed Jammu & Kashmir on the national cricketing map.
(JKNN)
(JKNEWS NATION)
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