SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir produced a disciplined bowling display on the opening day of the Irani Cup, bowling out Rest of India for 237 before ending the day at 21 for one at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium here on Thursday.
After winning the toss, J&K captain Paras Dogra elected to bowl first, and his decision paid dividends as the hosts kept the Rest of India batters under pressure throughout the day.
As per the details, Sunil Kumar and Nasir Lone were the pick of the J&K bowlers, claiming three wickets each, while Umar Nazir Mir picked up two wickets. Sahil Lotra and Abid Mushtaq claimed one wicket apiece.
Despite the absence of key players including Auqib Nabi, the hosts’ bowling unit put up a strong show to restrict a strong Rest of India side to 237 runs in 68.1 overs.
For Rest of India, Smaran Ravichandran top-scored with 68, while Shikhar Mohan contributed 60 and Sarfaraz Khan made 45. India wicketkeeper-batter and Rest of India captain Rishabh Pant was dismissed for 10.
Pant’s dismissal came when he attempted to attack Umar Nazir but sliced the delivery towards Qamran Iqbal at short cover-point, ending his 36-ball stay at the crease.
Eventually, Rest of India were bowled out for 237, with J&K’s bowlers sharing the wickets and preventing the visitors from building a substantial first-innings total.
In reply, J&K lost opener Shubham Singh Pundir for one, leaving the hosts at 21 for one at stumps. Qamran Iqbal was unbeaten on 12, while Umar Nazir Mir, promoted as a nightwatchman, was unbeaten on four.
J&K will resume their first innings on Friday, trailing Rest of India by 216 runs.
The match also witnessed the presence of BCCI president and former Jammu and Kashmir cricketer Mithun Manhas at the venue. The Irani Cup, being played from October 1 to 5, marks the first time the prestigious domestic fixture is being hosted in Srinagar, with the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy champions J&K taking on Rest of India.
The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association has also made free passes available for the general public on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to seating capacity.
Day 1 score: Rest of India 237 all out (68.1 overs); J&K 21/1 (7 overs), trailing by 216 runs. (KNO)
