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J&K Script History, Reach Maiden Ranji Trophy Semifinal After 67 Years

Jammu & Kashmir have qualified for their first Ranji Trophy semifinal in 67 years of participation, defeating the 2021-22 champions Madhya Pradesh by 56 runs in the quarterfinal. The victory was spearheaded by Auqib Nabi's outstanding match figures of 12 for 110, including a crucial 7-wicket haul in the first innings. Despite being in precarious positions during both innings, J&K's lower order, featuring Abid Mushtaq and Vanshraj Sharma, staged vital recoveries to set a competitive target. The win was sealed when Yudhvir Singh clean-bowled the last batter, ending Madhya Pradesh's resistance at 234.

Key Points: J&K Reach First Ranji Trophy Semifinal, Beat MP in Quarterfinal

  • Historic first semifinal in 67 years
  • Auqib Nabi's match-winning 12/110
  • Defeat defending champions Madhya Pradesh
  • Lower-order fightbacks key for J&K
  • Sealed by 56-run victory
2 min read

J&K qualify for their maiden Ranji Trophy semifinal

Jammu & Kashmir qualify for their first-ever Ranji Trophy semifinal, beating defending champions Madhya Pradesh by 56 runs. Auqib Nabi's 12-wicket haul seals historic win.

"Jammu & Kashmir scripted history by reaching their maiden Ranji Trophy semifinal - Report"

Indore, Feb 9

Jammu & Kashmir scripted history by reaching their maiden Ranji Trophy semifinal after beating 2021-22 winners Madhya Pradesh by 56 runs in the quarterfinal here at the Holkar Stadium on Monday.

J&K entered their first semifinal 67 years after they first featured in the Ranji Trophy and six years after they last made the knockouts.

Auqib Nabi's outstanding match figures of 12 for 110 secured a historic win for J&K. Madhya Pradesh started Day 4 on 87/5, needing 204 runs to win, but lost Venkatesh Iyer early. Saransh Jain kept their hopes alive with a fighting 64, but Nabi had the final say, bowling one that came back in to beat the former's defence. At 211 for 9, the last-wicket pair of Aryan Pandey and Kuldeep Sen kept J&K at bay by adding 23 before Yudhvir Singh clean bowled Pandey to seal victory.

Earlier, J&K stormed back into the game after being bowled out for 194 thanks largely to Nabi's 7-40, pocketing a slender 42-run lead. Then MP fought back to leave J&K reeling at 73 for 5 in the second innings, before their lower order led a jailbreak courtesy of Abid Mushtaq (41) and Vanshraj Sharma (54).

Even so, at 183 for 9, MP were looking at a sub-250 target but ended up conceding a 65-run stand for the tenth wicket between Sunil Kumar and Yudhvir that ended up giving J&K the cushion that eventually helped pull off victory.

Brief scores: Jammu and Kashmir 194 (Khajuria 60, Sen 5-66, Kartikeya 3-26) and 248 (Vanshraj 54*, Mushtaq 41, Sen 4-65) beat Madhya Pradesh 152 (Dubey 58, Nabi 7-40, Sunil 3-47) and 234 (Saransh 64, Nabi 5-70, Mushtaq 3-49) by 56 runs

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
So proud! This is more than just a cricket match. It's a message of hope and resilience from Jammu & Kashmir. The lower-order fightback was incredible. Vanshraj Sharma and Abid Mushtaq were heroes too. Jai Hind!
D
David E
As a cricket fan living in Delhi, this is fantastic news. The Ranji Trophy needs stories like this. Nabi's bowling figures are insane. Hope the BCCI ensures such teams get more exposure and support.
R
Rohit P
Brilliant! But let's be honest, the batting is still a worry. 194 and 248 are not big scores. They relied heavily on Nabi. The semifinal will be tougher. Need the top order to step up. Still, a massive achievement!
S
Shreya B
This news made my day! My father is from Srinagar and he'll be so emotional. Cricket unites us all. The fight shown by the team, especially after being 73/5, is inspirational. Go J&K! Bring the trophy home.
K
Karthik V
Finally! The talent was always there. Parvez Rasool paved the way, now this team is creating its own legacy. That 65-run last wicket partnership was the difference. Sunil Kumar and Yudhvir Singh, take a bow!

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