A new dawn for Jammu and Kashmir cricket arrived with their semifinal masterstroke over Bengal, propelling them to the Ranji Trophy final – uncharted territory for the side. Under Paras Dogra’s steady hand, the team showcased championship mettle.
The narrative belonged to Aquib Nabi, whose nine-wicket blitz and 42-run cameo defined the contest. Crowned Player of the Match, he extended his quarterfinal dominance, where 12 wickets had paved the semifinal path against Karnataka.
Key moments from the high-stakes encounter: Bengal’s first-innings 328 tested J&K, who replied with 302. The second innings saw Bengal collapse to 99 under Nabi and Sunil Kumar’s barrage, targeting 126. Vanshaj Sharma (43*) and Abdul Samad (30*) steered the successful chase, losing just four wickets.
Former CM Mehbooba Mufti joined the festivities on X, tweeting, ‘Superb win in Ranji semis! You’ve forged a golden chapter through patience, bravery, and belief.’ Her message struck a chord, uniting fans in celebration.
This achievement highlights J&K’s evolution in domestic cricket. With the final beckoning on February 24 versus the Karnataka-Uttarakhand victor, anticipation builds. It’s more than a game – it’s a beacon of pride and possibility.