How Did Jammu & Kashmir Reach Their First Ranji Trophy Final?
Synopsis
In a historic moment for cricket, Jammu and Kashmir clinched their first-ever Ranji Trophy final spot with a stunning six-wicket victory over Bengal. This article explores the thrilling semi-final match and the key performances that led J&K to this monumental achievement.
Key Takeaways
Jammu and Kashmir have reached their first Ranji Trophy final .
Auqib Nabi delivered an outstanding performance with nine wickets.
J&K chased down a target of 126 runs against Bengal.
The final will be played against Karnataka .
This victory marks a significant milestone in J&K cricket history.
Kalyani, Feb 18 (NationPress) Jammu and Kashmir have made history by advancing to their inaugural Ranji Trophy final after a remarkable six-wicket victory against Bengal on the fourth day of their semi-final match at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground on Wednesday.
The seam-bowling all-rounder Auqib Nabi once again showcased his talent, taking four wickets, while Sunil Kumar played a crucial role in dismissing Bengal for just 99 runs in their second innings on day three, shifting the momentum towards J&K. Chasing a target of 126 for victory, J&K successfully completed the chase in 34.4 overs, with Vanshaj Sharma and Abdul Samad contributing unbeaten scores of 43 and 30, respectively.
In the morning session, Mohammed Shami and Akash Deep provided early breakthroughs by dismissing Shubham Pundir (27) and captain Paras Dogra (nine). However, Samad’s aggressive batting, featuring two massive sixes off Shahbaz Ahmed, shifted the tide back in favor of J&K.
Sharma, after striking three boundaries off Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, sealed the victory with a six over Mukesh Kumar's head, igniting jubilant celebrations as the players lifted their coach in a huddle.
Nabi rightfully earned the title of player of the match for his impressive match haul of nine wickets, marking a significant day for J&K, who have shown remarkable prowess with the red ball in recent years.
J&K is now set to clash with Karnataka in the title match scheduled from February 24 to 28, while Karnataka is expected to take a first-innings lead against Uttarakhand in the other semi-final taking place in Lucknow. For now, February 18 will forever hold a special place in the cricketing history of Jammu and Kashmir.
Brief Scores: Bengal 328 and 99 lost to Jammu & Kashmir 302 and 126/4 in 34.4 overs (Vanshaj Sharma 43 not out, Abdul Samad 30 not out; Akash Deep 3-46, Mohammed Shami 1-24) by six wickets
Point of View
Jammu and Kashmir's achievement in reaching the Ranji Trophy final is a testament to the growth of cricket in the region. With dedicated players and strategic coaching, this victory represents not just a sporting triumph but also a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes across the nation.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Jammu and Kashmir achieve their first Ranji Trophy final appearance?
Jammu and Kashmir reached their first Ranji Trophy final on February 18.
Who was the standout player in the semi-final match against Bengal?
Auqib Nabi was the standout player, taking nine wickets throughout the match.
What was the target set for Jammu and Kashmir in the semi-final?
Jammu and Kashmir chased down a target of 126 runs to win the semi-final.
Who are Jammu and Kashmir set to face in the final?
Jammu and Kashmir will face Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy final.
What significance does February 18 hold for Jammu and Kashmir cricket?
February 18 marks a historical day for Jammu and Kashmir cricket as they achieved their first Ranji Trophy final appearance.
