Jammu and Kashmir’s cricket team etched its name in the record books by thrashing Bengal by six wickets in the Ranji Trophy semi-final at Kalyani. This victory catapults them into the final for the very first time, with star pacer Aqib Nabi leading the charge.
Nabi has been the heartbeat of J&K’s resurgence. His match-winning efforts in the knockouts – Player of the Match twice over – have turned the tide decisively.
The quarter-final demolition of Madhya Pradesh by 56 runs was powered by Nabi’s 12-wicket haul: 7/40 first innings, 5/70 second. It was a masterclass in pace bowling.
Bengal posed a sterner challenge, but Nabi was equal to it. Claiming 9 wickets (5 and 4) and smashing 42 runs, he single-handedly shifted momentum. The result? A famous win and final qualification.
Since breaking through in 2020 for J&K, the 29-year-old has skyrocketed, landing an 8.40 crore IPL 2026 deal with Delhi Capitals. As anticipation builds for the final, Nabi’s spotlight moment could herald even greater achievements for him and his state.