Mumbai’: The Ranji Trophy 2025–26 semifinalists have been confirmed following an action-packed round of quarterfinals, with Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka and Bengal advancing to the last four.
Jammu and Kashmir Script History
Jammu and Kashmir created history by reaching their maiden Ranji Trophy semifinal after defeating Madhya Pradesh by 56 runs in Indore.
J&K posted 194 in their first innings before bowling Madhya Pradesh out for 152 to take a crucial 42-run lead. They then added 248 in the second innings to set a 290-run target. Despite a determined chase, Madhya Pradesh were restricted to 234. Aaqib was the star of the match, claiming seven wickets in the first innings and five in the second to finish with a remarkable 12-wicket haul.
Karnataka Edge Mumbai in Classic Encounter
Karnataka booked their semifinal berth with a tense four-wicket victory over arch-rivals Mumbai at the MCA-BKC Ground.
Chasing a challenging target of 325 on Day 4, KL Rahul rose to the occasion with a superb 130 off 182 balls. He stitched together a crucial 147-run partnership with Smaran Ravichandran to anchor the chase and guide Karnataka to a memorable knockout win.
Bengal Crush Andhra to Enter Last Four
Bengal completed the semifinal lineup with a dominant innings-and-90-run win over Andhra at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground in Kalyani.
After conceding 295 in the first innings — with Ricky Bhui scoring 83 — Bengal responded emphatically, piling up 629. Sudip Gharami narrowly missed a triple century with a magnificent 299, while Shakir Gandhi added 95. Mukesh Kumar (5/66) and Akash Deep (4/79) had earlier set the tone with the ball.
Asked to follow on, Andhra resumed the final day at 64 for 3, still trailing by 270 runs. Nitish Kumar Reddy fought hard with a valiant 90, but Shahbaz Ahmed (4/72) and the Bengal bowlers ensured there was no escape. Andhra were bowled out for 244, handing Bengal a comprehensive victory.
Uttarakhand Outclass Jharkhand
Uttarakhand were the first team to seal their place, crushing Jharkhand by an innings and six runs in Jamshedpur. A clinical bowling performance, backed by strong batting, ensured they wrapped up the match comfortably and marched into the semifinals with confidence.
Semifinal Fixtures (February 15–19)
Uttarakhand vs Karnataka
Jammu and Kashmir vs Bengal
With history-making performances, dominant displays and high-pressure chases defining the quarterfinal stage, the Ranji Trophy now heads into two gripping semifinal clashes.
Source: ESPN Cricinfo, TOI, ETV Bharat, Sports Star
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