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J-K Makes History, Reaches First-Eri Ranji Trophy Final After Semifinal Win

Jammu and Kashmir created history by defeating Bengal to reach their first-ever Ranji Trophy final. Despite a legendary 8-wicket haul by Mohammed Shami that gave Bengal a first-innings lead, J-K's bowlers Auqib Nabi and Sunil Kumar orchestrated a dramatic collapse, bowling Bengal out for just 99 in their second innings. Chasing a modest 126, J-K overcame early wickets to win by six wickets. They will now face the winner of the other semifinal between Karnataka and Uttarakhand in the championship match.

Key Points: Jammu & Kashmir Reach Maiden Ranji Trophy Final

  • Historic first final for J-K
  • Auqib Nabi's 9-wicket match haul
  • Mohammed Shami's 8/90 for Bengal
  • Bengal collapse for 99 in second innings
2 min read

J-K registers historic win over Bengal in Ranji Trophy semifinal, reaches first-ever final

J-K beats Bengal by 6 wickets to reach its first-ever Ranji Trophy final. Auqib Nabi stars with 9 wickets, despite Mohammed Shami's 8-wicket haul.

"Jammu and Kashmir scripted history as they marched into their first-ever Ranji Trophy final - Report"

Kalyani, February 18

Jammu and Kashmir scripted history as they marched into their first-ever Ranji Trophy final after securing a six-wicket victory over Bengal in the 2025-26 edition's semifinal clash on Wednesday at Kalyani.

Despite a legendary first-innings bowling performance by veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami, Bengal's batting order collapsed spectacularly in the second innings, leaving J-K needing just 126 runs in the chase to script a historic victory.

Bengal were put in to bat first by Jammu and Kashmir. Sudip Gharami played the innings of his life. His magnificent 146 off 246 balls anchored the Bengal innings, supported by a patient 49 from skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran. For J-K, Auqib Nabi shone brightly, picking up 5/87 to ensure Bengal didn't run away with the game, eventually bowling them out for 328.

The second day and early third day belonged entirely to Mohammed Shami. Shami dismantled the J-K top order with a clinical display of seam bowling. Although J-K's middle order fought back through Abdul Samad (82) and Paras Dogra (58), Shami was relentless. He finished with figures of 8 for 90--his best-ever in first-class cricket--wrapping up the J-K innings for 302. His performance gave Bengal a slender but vital 26-run lead and appeared to have put the hosts in the driver's seat.

The momentum shifted violently later on Day 3 as things turned nightmarish for Bengal. Auqib Nabi (4/36 in 10 overs) and Sunil Kumar (4/27 in 9.1 overs) produced a devastating spell of pace bowling, as both scalped eight wickets each.

Bengal's top order vanished within just a few minutes of the third innings. First-innings hero Gharami fell for a duck, as did opener Sudip Chatterjee. Only Shahbaz Ahmed (24) offered any significant resistance as Bengal were bundled out for just 99 in 25.1 overs. Nabi and Sunil Kumar shared the spoils with four wickets each, setting J-K a modest target of 126.

Chasing 126 for a spot in the final, J-K faced some early jitters. Akash Deep struck twice in quick succession to remove the openers, leaving J-K at 12/2 in 3.5 overs. However, Shubham Pundir (27) and Vanshaj Sharma (43*) steadied the ship and eventually helped J&K win the match by six wickets.

Jammu and Kashmir will face either Karnataka or Uttarakhand in the finals of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Heartbreaking for Bengal. Shami's 8-wicket haul was a masterclass in fast bowling, but the batting collapse was just... wow. You can't win a match with just 99 runs in your second innings. The middle order needs serious introspection.
V
Vikram M
This is why we love domestic cricket! The underdog story is real. From being a team that often struggled, J&K is now in the Ranji final. Hats off to the coaching staff and the players for their sheer determination. Jai Hind!
R
Rohit P
As a cricket fan from Kolkata, this loss stings. But credit must be given where it's due. J&K outplayed us in the crucial moments. That spell from Nabi and Kumar on day 3 was unplayable. All the best to them for the final.
S
Sarah B
Following from the US! What an incredible narrative. Shami's heroic effort for Bengal, but the collective spirit of J&K wins the day. Sports stories like this are universal. Can't wait to watch the final highlights.
K
Karthik V
Respectful criticism: While the win is fantastic, the article glosses over J&K's own batting fragility. 12/2 chasing 126? They got lucky Bengal's collapse was worse. They'll need to be much more solid against Karnataka or Uttarakhand.

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