Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 29: Sunil Kumar produced a sensational performance as Jammu & Kashmir dominated Himachal Pradesh on Day 1 of their Ranji Trophy clash at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium, Amtar. Kumar’s lethal five-wicket haul (5/55 in 18.1 overs) dismantled the Himachal batting line-up, restricting them to a modest 168 all out after being asked to bat first on a pace-friendly track.
Supporting him, medium-pacer Aquib Nabi (2/31) and off-spinner Sahil Lotra (2/44) picked up crucial wickets, while Yudhvir Singh (1/28) ensured the opposition’s collapse in just 60.1 overs. Despite a gritty effort from Pukhraj Mann (77 off 124 balls) and AP Vashisht (45 off 113), Himachal’s middle and lower order succumbed to J&K’s relentless bowling attack.
In reply, J&K’s openers Shubham Khajuria (14)* and Yawer Hassan (6)* laid a solid foundation, reaching 20/0 in 4.5 overs at stumps. The performance highlighted J&K’s dominance with both pace and spin, signaling a strong intent to advance to the Ranji Trophy knockouts. Sunil Kumar’s exceptional seam movement and disciplined bowling, combined with contributions from Nabi, Lotra, and Yudhvir, set the stage for a potentially swift finish. With momentum firmly on their side, J&K will look to capitalize on this commanding position and continue their charge toward the knockout stages.
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