Asif Iqbal
Srinagar, Feb 18 (GNS): Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday etched their name into the annals of Indian domestic cricket, storming into their first-ever Ranji Trophy final after a comprehensive victory over Bengal in the semifinal at Kalyani.
Chasing a modest target of 126, J&K, as per GNS, completed the formalities in assured fashion, reaching 126/4 in 34.4 overs to script a watershed moment in the team’s history. The landmark win fittingly came in style, with the decisive runs struck over the ropes for a six, triggering jubilant celebrations in the J&K camp.
The triumph was built on a commanding all-round performance, headlined by pacer Auqib Nabi Dar, who delivered a match-defining display with both bat and ball. After contributing a valuable 42 runs in the first innings during a crucial lower-order stand, Auqib returned to spearhead the bowling attack in Bengal’s second innings, claiming 4 for 36 to take his overall match tally to nine wickets.
Earlier in the contest, Bengal had posted 328 in their first innings. J&K responded with 302, conceding a slender 26-run lead despite a sensational spell from Mohammed Shami, who produced a career-best 8 for 90 to keep Bengal in the hunt. A pivotal 64-run partnership for the ninth wicket between Auqib Nabi (42) and Yudhvir Singh (33) ensured J&K remained firmly in contention and narrowed the deficit significantly.
The match turned decisively when J&K’s pace battery dismantled Bengal for just 99 in their second innings. Sunil Kumar provided excellent support with figures of 4 for 27, as the visitors maintained relentless pressure. Apart from Shahbaz Ahmed’s brief resistance (24), Bengal’s batting line-up faltered against disciplined seam bowling.
Set 126 for victory, J&K encountered early setbacks after Akash Deep removed both openers to reduce them to 12/2. However, the middle order responded with composure. Shubham Pundir played a stabilising hand, while Vanshaj Sharma anchored the chase with a patient 43. Abdul Samad injected momentum with a brisk 30 off 27 balls, including three sixes, ensuring there were no late stumbles.
The winning blow, a six, sealed not just the match but a historic chapter for J&K cricket.
The achievement marks the most significant milestone in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ranji Trophy journey. From battling for qualification in previous years to now standing on the brink of national glory, J&K’s entry into the final represents a defining moment for cricket in the Union Territory. (GNS)
