Jammu and Kashmir cricket team created history by storming into the Ranji Trophy final for the first time in 67 years, defeating two-time champions Bengal cricket team by six wickets in the semifinal on Wednesday.
Chasing a modest target of 126 on the fourth day, J&K completed the job in 34.4 overs. Vanshaj Sharma remained unbeaten on 43, while Abdul Samad contributed an unbeaten 30 as the duo calmly guided the side over the line.
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The foundation for the historic win was laid by pace spearhead Auqib Nabi, who delivered a match-winning performance with nine wickets across both innings, effectively dismantling Bengal’s batting unit and sealing control for his team.
Jammu and Kashmir, which first competed in the Ranji Trophy in the 1959–60 season, had rarely been considered serious title contenders. Their previous best came in the 2013–14 season when they reached the knockout stage after more than a decade.
Resuming day four at 43 for 2, J&K faced early setbacks as overnight batter Shubham Pundir (27) and captain Paras Dogra (9) fell cheaply. However, Vanshaj and Samad stitched together a composed 55-run partnership that extinguished Bengal’s hopes and carried their side to a landmark victory.
Brief Scores:
Bengal: 328 & 99 (25.1 overs)
Jammu and Kashmir: 302 & 126/4 (34.4 overs)
(Vanshaj Sharma 43*; Abdul Samad 30*)
With this breakthrough, Jammu and Kashmir have etched their name in the tournament’s history books and moved one step closer to a maiden Ranji Trophy title.
