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Jammu & Kashmir Make History, Storm Into Maiden Ranji Trophy Final

Jammu & Kashmir secured a historic six-wicket victory over Bengal to reach their maiden Ranji Trophy final. Seam-bowling all-rounder Auqib Nabi was instrumental, taking a match haul of nine wickets to earn Player of the Match honors. Chasing 126, J&K were guided home by unbeaten knocks from Vanshaj Sharma (43*) and Abdul Samad (30*). They will now face Karnataka in the final scheduled from February 24.

Key Points: J&K Beat Bengal to Reach First Ranji Trophy Final

  • Historic first final for J&K
  • Chased 126 target in 34.4 overs
  • Auqib Nabi's 9-wicket match haul
  • To face Karnataka in title clash
2 min read

Jammu & Kashmir beat Bengal to reach maiden Ranji Trophy final

Jammu & Kashmir create history, defeating Bengal by six wickets to reach their first-ever Ranji Trophy final. Auqib Nabi named Player of the Match.

"February 18 will forever be etched in golden letters in the cricketing journey of Jammu and Kashmir. - Report"

Kalyani, Feb 18

Jammu and Kashmir have stormed into their first-ever Ranji Trophy final with a six-wicket win over Bengal on day four of their semi-final at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground on Wednesday.

Seam-bowling all-rounder Auqib Nabi once again rose to the occasion, bagging four wickets alongside Sunil Kumar as Bengal folded for 99 in their second innings on day three and tilted the contest in J&K's favour. Set a target of 126 to win, J&K chased it down in 34.4 overs, with Vanshaj Sharma and Abdul Samad hitting an unbeaten 43 and 30 respectively.

In the morning, Mohammed Shami and Akash Deep struck early to dismiss Shubham Pundir (27) and captain Paras Dogra (nine). But Samad's counterattack, including two towering sixes off Shahbaz Ahmed over long-on and extra cover respectively, swung the momentum back in J&K's favour.

Sharma, after hitting Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal for three boundaries, sealed the win with a six over Mukesh Kumar's head to trigger jubilant celebrations as the players lifted their coach in a huddle.

Nabi was rightfully judged as the player of the match for his match haul of nine wickets, bringing in a red-letter day for the J&K side, who have been impressive with the red ball for the last few years.

J&K are now set to face Karnataka in the title clash to be played from February 24 to 28, with the latter poised to take a first-innings lead against Uttarakhand in the other semifinal happening in Lucknow. For now, February 18 will forever be etched in golden letters in the cricketing journey of Jammu and Kashmir.

Brief Scores: Bengal 328 and 99 lost to Jammu & Kashmir 302 and 126/4 in 34.4 overs (Vanshaj Sharma 43 not out, Abdul Samad 30 not out; Akash Deep 3-46, Mohammed Shami 1-24) by six wickets

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
As a cricket fan from Bengal, it's disappointing to lose, but you have to give full credit to Jammu & Kashmir. They outplayed us in every department in that second innings. 99 all out is just not acceptable at this level. Wishing J&K all the best for the final against Karnataka!
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Vikram M
This is more than just a cricket match. This is a story of resilience and passion. For a team from a region that has faced so many challenges, this achievement is monumental. Abdul Samad's sixes were pure fire! The entire nation is celebrating with you.
R
Rohit P
While the win is fantastic, I hope the focus remains on cricket. Sometimes political narratives overshadow sporting achievements. Let's just appreciate this as a great cricketing moment for a talented team that has worked incredibly hard.
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Sarah B
Watching from the US, this is such inspiring news! The way they chased down the target with such positive intent, especially after losing early wickets. Vanshaj Sharma finishing with a six – brilliant! Can't wait for the final.
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Karthik V
Nabi – 9 wickets in the match! Man of the match performance indeed. This shows the depth of talent we have across India. The Ranji Trophy is such a crucial tournament. Now, a final against Karnataka? That's going to be a cracker of a match. Best of luck to both teams!

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