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J-K Cricket Team Reaches Ranji Trophy Final, CM Omar Abdullah Hails Team Effort

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team for reaching the Ranji Trophy final, calling it a success for the entire team and support staff. The team secured their spot by defeating Bengal in the semi-final, chasing a target of 126 runs. Despite a brilliant eight-wicket haul by Bengal's Mohammed Shami in the first innings, J-K's bowlers bundled Bengal out for just 99 in their second innings. Abdullah expressed hope that players from the region would soon play key roles in the Indian national team.

Key Points: J-K Reaches Ranji Trophy Final, Omar Abdullah Congratulates Team

  • J-K team reaches Ranji Trophy final
  • CM Omar Abdullah hails collective effort
  • Team beats Bengal in semi-final
  • Mohammed Shami takes 8 wickets for Bengal
  • J-K bowlers dominate Bengal's second innings
2 min read

"Success of entire team and support staff": CM Omar Abdullah hails J-K team for reaching Ranji Trophy final

Jammu and Kashmir cricket team makes history by reaching the Ranji Trophy final. CM Omar Abdullah credits the entire team and support staff for the collective success.

"No one wins the Ranji Trophy alone. This is the success of the entire team, and of the support staff as well. - Omar Abdullah"

Jammu, February 18

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday credited the success to the entire team and support staff after the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team reached the final of the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2026 season.

Speaking to reporters in Jammu, Omar Abdullah said that winning the Ranji Trophy is a collective achievement, and credited both the players and support staff for the team's success so far in the tournament. He congratulated them on behalf of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and expressed hope that players from the region will soon play key roles in India's national team.

"No one wins the Ranji Trophy alone. This is the success of the entire team, and of the support staff as well. I congratulate them all on my behalf and on behalf of the entire people of Jammu and Kashmir. I hope the day is not far off when we will start seeing players from Jammu and Kashmir playing a very important role in the national team," CM Abdullah said.

Notably, Jammu and Kashmir have secured a place in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season's final. Playing in the semifinal against Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, led by Paras Dogra, bowled Bengal out for just 99 runs in the third innings of the match. They chased a meek target of just 126 runs on Day 4 and won the match by six wickets. While J-K are at the brink of creating history, India's star seamer Mohammed Shami shone with the ball for Bengal earlier in the match as he took eight wickets in 22.1 overs while giving away just 90 runs on Tuesday.

After Bengal posted a massive 328 runs, with Shami's lethal eight-wicket haul, Jammu and Kashmir was bundled out for 302, which ensured his side took a 26-run lead.

Shami has not featured for the Indian team in any format since the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in March last year, which India won. With this lethal display of bowling, Shami also becomes the 6th highest wicket taker in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season with 36 scalps under his name in 7 matches.

However, despite Shami's efforts in the first innings, Bengal couldn't capitalise on it as Jammu and Kashmir's speedsters Auqib Nabi Dar (4/36), Sunil Kumar (4/27) and Yudhvir Singh Charak (2/29) bundled Bengal's second innings for just 99 with Shahbaz Ahmed (24) being the top scorer for his side.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
What an inspiring story. To bowl out Bengal for 99 in the third innings shows incredible mental strength. Players like Auqib Nabi Dar and Sunil Kumar were brilliant. This is exactly the kind of success story that can inspire thousands of young kids in Jammu and Kashmir to take up the sport.
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Vikram M
While the achievement is great, I hope this isn't just a one-off. The state association needs to ensure proper infrastructure and continuous support so this becomes a regular feature. We've seen flashes of brilliance before. The real test is sustaining it. But for now, congratulations to the team!
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Priya S
Shami taking 8 wickets and still ending up on the losing side... that's cricket for you. But the focus should be on J&K. Beating a team with an Indian star in it makes the victory even sweeter. Paras Dogra's leadership must be commended. Hope they go on to lift the trophy! 🇮🇳
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Rohit P
As someone from Jammu, this news has made us all so proud! The entire region is celebrating. Cricket has the power to unite, and this team is showing the way. CM's words about players soon representing India gives us hope. Yudhvir Singh Charak and others are future stars.
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Michael C
The Ranji Trophy is such a crucial tournament for discovering real talent. Beating Bengal, a traditional powerhouse, is a massive statement. The bowling attack seems very potent. Hope the selectors are watching. India always needs good fast bowlers.

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