Early Times Report
Jammu, Feb 17: Jammu and Kashmir stand on the brink of history in the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 semifinal against Bengal, needing just 83 more runs with eight wickets in hand to seal a maiden entry into the final.
Chasing a modest target of 126, J&K were comfortably placed at 43/2 at stumps, with two full days of play remaining. If they complete the chase, it will mark the first time the side reaches the summit clash of the country’s premier domestic tournament.
The turning point of the match came through a disciplined and clinical bowling display led by pace spearhead Auqib Nabi. J&K bundled Bengal out for just 99 in their second innings, dismantling a batting line-up that had looked steady earlier in the game.
Nabi claimed four crucial wickets in the second innings, while left-arm pacer Sunil Kumar matched the effort with four scalps of his own. Yudhvir Singh chipped in with two wickets to complete the rout. Nabi, who has been making a strong impression on the domestic circuit, once again underlined his growing stature with a fiery spell at a decisive stage of the match.
For Bengal, the batting collapse was dramatic. Six batters failed to reach double figures, and only three managed to score in double digits. Shahbaz Ahmed was the top scorer with 24, as Bengal struggled against relentless pace and accuracy.
Earlier in the match, Bengal had gained the upper han Six batters failed to reach double figures, and only three managed to score in double digits.
For J&K, Nabi was again the standout performer with five wickets in the first innings, while Sunil Kumar picked up three.
Jammu and Kashmir responded with 302 runs in their first innings. However, Bengal pacer Mohammed Shami proved decisive with the ball, claiming eight wickets in a devastating spell. Mukesh Kumar supported him with two wickets, ensuring Bengal carried a slender but potentially crucial lead into the second innings.
Now, with Bengal bowled out cheaply and a small target in sight, J&K are firmly in control. The side has already created history by reaching the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy this season, and they are now just a step away from a maiden final appearance.
Bengal, meanwhile, are two-time champion, having last lifted the trophy in 1989. Their experience has not been enough to counter J&K’s pace attack in this contest.
In the other semifinal, Karnataka appears to have gained a decisive edge after piling up a massive 736 in the first innings, putting themselves in a strong position to advance, likely on the basis of a first-innings lead.
For Jammu and Kashmir, however, the focus remains clear: 83 runs separate them from rewriting their cricketing history. |
