SRINAGAR: Jammu Kashmir created history on Tuesday by defeating Delhi for the first time in 65 years of Ranji Trophy encounters, sealing a commanding seven-wicket win at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The victory, powered by opener Qamran Iqbal’s unbeaten 133, marked a defining moment for JK cricket and pushed them to second place in Elite Group D.
Chasing 179 for victory, the 24-year-old Iqbal turned the chase into a procession on the final morning, guiding his team to 179 for 3 within a session. His elegant strokeplay and composure saw JK claim six points from the outright win, moving to 14 points and strengthening their bid for back-to-back quarterfinal appearances.
Earlier, JK’s pacer Auqib Nabi ripped through Delhi’s first innings with figures of 5 for 35, while skipper Paras Dogra and all-rounder Abdul Samad powered the team to a 99-run lead with scores of 106 and 85 respectively. Left-arm spinner Vanshaj Sharma then turned the tide in the second innings, claiming 6 for 68 as Delhi collapsed from a strong 267 for 5 to 277 all out
Coach Ajay Sharma, a former Delhi stalwart who now mentors the JK side, called it a “conflicting yet proud moment,” noting that the team’s ability to win on all types of pitches showed their growing maturity. Skipper Dogra added, “To beat Delhi in Delhi shows we can win anywhere. This team believes it can take on anyone now.”
Delhi’s dismal performance, marred by poor fitness, inconsistent selections, and internal divisions, left them with just seven points from four matches and languishing in sixth place in their group.
For JK, the emphatic win — their second outright victory of the season — symbolised the transformation of an unheralded side into serious contenders in India’s premier domestic tournament. They next face Hyderabad in Round 5 at home, carrying with them the confidence of having beaten heavyweights like Mumbai, Baroda, and now Delhi — all within a single season.
