SRINAGAR: Defending champions Jammu and Kashmir made a strong start to their Ranji Trophy 2026-27 campaign, dismissing Madhya Pradesh for 196 on the opening day of their Elite Group A match at the Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar on Sunday.
After winning the toss and opting to field, J&K reduced Madhya Pradesh to 41 for three before a patient 79-run knock by captain Shubham Sharma helped the visitors recover. The hosts, however, continued to take wickets and bowled out Madhya Pradesh in 74.2 overs.
Rohit Sharma led the J&K attack with five wickets for 36 runs from 21.2 overs, while Sunil Kumar claimed four for 69. Auqib Nabi, returning to the J&K side, took one wicket for 42 runs in his 20 overs.
Madhya Pradesh suffered early setbacks as Harsh Gawali, Yash Dubey and wicketkeeper Himanshu Mantri were dismissed, leaving the visitors under pressure.
Shubham Sharma then anchored the innings, scoring 79 off 174 deliveries, including eight boundaries. Chanchal Rathore added 33 from 75 balls, while Aryan Pandey contributed 35 off 60 deliveries to help Madhya Pradesh post a more competitive total.
The match also marked the formal opening of the new Ranji Trophy season in Srinagar. BCCI president Mithun Manhas attended the occasion alongside officials of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA). He formally inaugurated the campaign and wished both teams success.
In reply, J&K reached 60 for three by the second day, trailing Madhya Pradesh by 136 runs, according to the available score update.
