Ranjit Thakur
JAMMU, Feb 18: Jammu and Kashmir cricket team scripted history by storming into the Ranji Trophy final for the first time in 67 years, defeating two-time champions Bengal cricket team by six wickets in a thrilling semifinal at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani, West Bengal today.
Chasing a modest target of 126 runs after bundling out Bengal for 99 in their second innings, J&K completed the task in 34.4 overs to spark jubilant celebrations. Young Vanshaj Sharma remained unbeaten on 43 and fittingly sealed the victory with a towering six over long-on. Abdul Samad, who scored an unbeaten 30, played a crucial counterattacking knock to turn the tide in J&K’s favour.
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The foundations of the historic win were laid by pace spearhead Auqib Nabi, who delivered a match-winning performance with nine wickets. Coming on the back of his sensational 12/110 in the quarterfinal against Madhya Pradesh, Nabi once again rose to the occasion, claiming a five-wicket haul in the first innings and finishing with nine scalps in the match. The 29-year-old has now taken 55 wickets this season at an outstanding average of under 13, making him one of the standout performers of the tournament.
J&K, who made their Ranji Trophy debut in the 1959–60 season, had struggled for decades to establish themselves as serious contenders. It took them 44 years to register their first Ranji win, which came against Services in 1982–83. Knockout appearances were rare, though a breakthrough came in 2013–14 when they reached the quarterfinals. In 2015–16, they stunned Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium under Parveez Rasool, but sustained success remained elusive.
This season, however, marked a remarkable transformation under the guidance of coach Ajay Sharma and captain Paras Dogra. Despite an opening defeat to Mumbai, J&K bounced back emphatically with an innings win over Rajasthan and key victories against Delhi and Hyderabad to secure a knockout berth. In the quarterfinal, they defeated Madhya Pradesh by 56 runs in a dramatic contest, powered largely by Nabi’s 12-wicket haul.
In the semifinal, J&K posted 302 in their first innings, reducing the deficit to just 26 runs. Captain Paras Dogra led from the front with a gritty 58 off 112 balls, while Abdul Samad hammered a counterattacking 82 off 85 deliveries. Nabi also contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 42 off 54 balls, while Yudhvir Singh added 33 in a crucial 64-run last-wicket partnership.
Bengal’s hopes faded when they were skittled out for 99 in 25.1 overs on day three, leaving J&K a manageable target. Though there were anxious moments on the final morning, including early wickets, Samad’s aggressive approach shifted momentum decisively. His 18-run over against Akash Deep proved a turning point and from there, J&K cruised to a memorable victory.
The achievement drew widespread praise. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also lauded the team, stating that they had etched a golden chapter in the sporting history of the Union Territory.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated the players, coaches and support staff for their dedication and expressed hope that cricketers from the region would soon play key roles in the national team.
Speaker Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, together with other Legislative Members also congratulated the Jammu & Kashmir cricket team. With this landmark victory, Jammu and Kashmir have not only rewritten their cricketing history but also ignited fresh hope and belief across the region as they now prepare for their maiden Ranji Trophy final appearance.
Brief scores:
Bengal: 328 and 99 in 25.1 overs.
J&K: 302 and 126 for 4 in 34.4 overs (Vanshaj Sharma 43 not out, Abdul Samad 30 not out).
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