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| History scripted: J&K storm into maiden Ranji Trophy final | | LG, CM congratulate boys for writing a golden chapter in UT’s cricketing history | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Feb 18: Jammu and Kashmir scripted a golden chapter in its cricketing history on Wednesday, storming into the Ranji Trophy final for the first time after a commanding six-wicket victory over Bengal at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani.
The landmark triumph drew congratulatory messages from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who hailed the team’s grit and historic achievement.
Medium pacers Auqib Nabi and Sunil Kumar laid the foundation for the memorable win with a stunning display, particularly in Bengal’s second innings. The duo claimed four wickets apiece as Bengal were skittled out for just 99 runs, dramatically shifting the momentum of the contest.
Despite conceding a 26-run first-innings lead, J&K roared back into the match with disciplined bowling that left the hosts reeling.
Chasing a modest 126 for victory, J&K suffered an early jolt as openers Shubham Khajuria (1) and Yawer Hassan (6) fell in quick succession to India international Akash Deep. With Bengal having recently been bowled out for under 100, hopes of a dramatic turnaround flickered briefly for the hosts.
However, Shubham Singh Pundir and Vanshaj Sharma steadied the innings, guiding J&K to 43/2 at stumps on Tuesday.
On the fourth morning, J&K stumbled again. Pundir (27) and captain Paras Dogra (9) departed in quick time, leaving the side precariously placed at 71/4 and reviving Bengal’s hopes.
Dogra, who had scored 58 in the first innings and became only the second batter in Ranji Trophy history to cross the 10,000-run mark, would have been disappointed to fall at such a crucial juncture.
Any remaining hopes for Bengal were dashed by IPL star Abdul Samad. The hard-hitting all-rounder, currently with Lucknow Super Giants after making his mark at Sunrisers Hyderabad, smashed three towering sixes in a brisk unbeaten 30 off 27 balls to steer his side home.
Vanshaj Sharma remained unbeaten on 43, playing a composed and vital knock as J&K crossed the finish line to create history.
Nabi, who finished with nine wickets in the match including a five-wicket haul in the first innings, reflected on the team’s journey. “Last time we missed out in the quarters, but we put in the hard work this season and we deserved this,” he said.
J&K will now await the winners of the second semi-final between Karnataka cricket team and Uttarakhand cricket team. Karnataka currently appear favourites after securing a massive 503-run first-innings lead.
Congratulating the team, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha wrote on social media, “Congratulations to J&K cricket team on their magnificent victory in the Ranji Trophy semi-final! You have etched a new golden chapter in the sporting history of J&K. The entire UT is proud of your extraordinary performance. May you continue this winning momentum and bring glory to J&K.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also praised the side for qualifying for their maiden Ranji Trophy final, calling it a reflection of the region’s growing sporting culture and the team’s discipline and determination.
In a post shared by the Chief Minister’s Office, he congratulated captain Paras Dogra for becoming only the second player in Indian domestic cricket to score over 10,000 runs in the Ranji Trophy, and Auqib Nabi for his nine-wicket haul in the semi-final, which took his season tally to 55 wickets from 16 innings. He also conveyed his best wishes to the team for the final. |
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