Kalyani: Jammu & Kashmir produced one of the most stirring performances in their cricketing history, defeating Bengal to storm into their maiden Ranji Trophy final and end a 67-year wait for a shot at domestic cricket’s biggest prize.
The historic victory, sealed on the final day at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani, West Bengal, marks the culmination of a remarkable decade-long rise for a side once regarded as perennial underdogs.
Chasing 126 for a historic berth in the final, J&K endured early jitters late on Day 3 as Bengal’s experienced pacers struck twice in quick succession. But with the target modest and nerves gradually settling, the visitors found the one partnership they desperately needed.
Vanshaj Sharma and Abdul Samad stitched together a crucial 55-run stand that effectively sealed the contest. Despite a fiery opening spell from Mohammed Shami and Akash Deep — who began with 23 consecutive dot balls — J&K held their composure to cross the line and spark wild celebrations.
Bengal’s Collapse Turns the Tide
The turning point of the match came earlier in Bengal’s second innings. Holding a slender 26-run lead, Bengal were expected to bat J&K out of the game. Instead, they crumbled spectacularly.
Auqib Nabi once again spearheaded the J&K pace attack, making the new ball talk and dismantling the top order with relentless accuracy and movement. Wickets fell in clusters as Bengal’s batters struggled against the swinging delivery. Shahbaz Ahmed’s gritty 24 offered brief resistance, but poor shot selection and disciplined bowling saw Bengal bundled out for just 99 — leaving J&K with a very attainable target.
Shami’s Fire, But J&K Fight Back
Earlier in the contest, Bengal had posted a formidable 328 in their first innings, riding on a majestic 146 from Sudip Gharami. He anchored the innings after an early setback, forging key partnerships with Abhimanyu Easwaran and Shahbaz Ahmed. For J&K, Auqib Nabi was the standout performer, claiming a brilliant five-wicket haul to keep the total within reach.
In response, J&K found themselves in early trouble before Abdul Samad and skipper Paras Dogra mounted a spectacular counter-attack. The duo added 147 runs, with Samad hammering a brisk 82. Late contributions from the tail pushed J&K to 302, just 26 runs short.
However, it was Mohammed Shami who nearly tilted the game decisively in Bengal’s favour. The veteran pacer delivered a sensational spell, finishing with career-best First-Class figures of 8 for 90, tearing through the J&K lineup with raw pace and precision.
Auqib Nabi – The Game Changer
If Shami was Bengal’s hero, Auqib Nabi was unquestionably the architect of J&K’s triumph. The young pacer followed up his first-innings five-for with figures of 4 for 36 in the second innings, finishing the match with nine wickets. He also chipped in with a valuable 42 runs with the bat — contributions that proved decisive in a tightly fought semifinal.
Named Player of the Match, Nabi credited the team’s belief and preparation. “We were positive coming into the game and stayed disciplined throughout. It feels special to reach the final, but the job isn’t done yet,” he said, adding that he continues to work on improving his batting.
The Himalayan Ascent
As the final runs were scored, emotions poured out. Head coach Ajay Sharma was hoisted onto the players’ shoulders, a symbolic moment marking decades of perseverance and struggle. From perennial underdogs to finalists, Jammu & Kashmir have completed their most remarkable ascent yet.
For a team that has long battled both cricketing and contextual challenges, this victory is more than just a semifinal win — it is a statement of arrival.
Jammu & Kashmir now march into their first-ever Ranji Trophy final, carrying with them belief, momentum, and the dreams of an entire region.
Jammu & Kashmir will now take on the winner of the second semifinal between Karnataka and Uttarakhand in the ultimate showdown for the coveted Ranji Trophy title.
Paras Dogra, skipper of Jammu & Kashmir, said the modest target required composure and one solid partnership at the top. He admitted that losing three early wickets created some tension, but praised Abdul Samad for stepping up with crucial runs at a vital moment.
Dogra added that despite conceding a slender first-innings lead, the team never panicked and remained confident of turning the game around. “I love this game, and this journey has been incredible,” he said, expressing delight at guiding J&K into the final.
Source: NDTV Sports, Sportstar, Cricbuzz
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