SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir scripted history on Wednesday by storming into their maiden Ranji Trophy final with a commanding six-wicket victory over Bengal at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground.
The landmark triumph came on day four of the semifinal, as JK chased down a target of 126 in 34.4 overs to seal a memorable win. Vanshaj Sharma (43 not out) and Abdul Samad (30 not out) steered the side home with an unbroken stand, sparking jubilant celebrations in the camp as players lifted their coach in delight.
The foundation for the victory was laid by seam-bowling all-rounder Auqib Nabi, who once again delivered under pressure. Nabi claimed four wickets in Bengal’s second innings and finished with a match haul of nine wickets to be adjudged Player of the Match. Sunil Kumar provided able support as Bengal were bundled out for 99 in their second innings, handing JK a manageable target.
Earlier in the morning session, Bengal pacers Mohammed Shami (1-24) and Akash Deep (3-46) struck early blows, dismissing Shubham Pundir (27) and captain Paras Dogra (9) to briefly raise hopes of a fightback. However, Abdul Samad’s aggressive counterattack turned the tide decisively in J&K’s favour. The right-hander struck two towering sixes off Shahbaz Ahmed — one over long-on and another over extra cover — to shift the momentum.
Sharma complemented Samad’s assault with fluent strokeplay, including three boundaries off Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, before sealing the historic win with a six over Mukesh Kumar’s head.
JK’s disciplined bowling effort had earlier restricted Bengal, who had posted 328 in their first innings, to a modest 99 in their second essay after JK replied with 302.
With this win, Jammu and Kashmir advance to face Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy final scheduled from February 24 to 28. Karnataka are poised to take a first-innings lead against Uttarakhand in the other semifinal in Lucknow.
For JK, February 18 marks a defining moment in their cricketing journey, as years of steady red-ball progress culminated in a historic entry into the Ranji Trophy summit clash.
