Did CM Omar Abdullah Congratulate J&K on Reaching Their First Ever Ranji Trophy Final?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Jammu, Feb 18 (NationPress) Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team for achieving a historic milestone by reaching their very first Ranji Trophy final, a significant moment that comes 16 years after their initial participation in this prestigious domestic tournament.
The Jammu and Kashmir team secured their spot in the final with a stunning six-wicket victory over Bengal on the fourth day of their semi-final at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground on Wednesday. Standout performances from seam-bowling all-rounder Auqib Nabi, who claimed four wickets, along with Sunil Kumar, contributed to Bengal's collapse to just 99 runs in their second innings, shifting the momentum towards J&K.
Chasing a target of 126, J&K completed the task in just 34.4 overs, with Vanshaj Sharma and Abdul Samad finishing unbeaten at 43 and 30 runs, respectively.
"This achievement is a testament to the collective effort of the entire team and the support staff. I extend my warmest congratulations to all of them on my behalf and on behalf of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. I look forward to the day when we will see players from Jammu and Kashmir playing significant roles in the national team," Abdullah stated to the media on Wednesday.
He further noted, "This remarkable accomplishment showcases the team’s determination, discipline, and the growing sports culture in Jammu and Kashmir," he added on his social media platform X.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged Paras Dogra for becoming the second player in the Indian domestic circuit to surpass 10,000 runs in the Ranji Trophy, and praised Auqib Nabi for his impressive nine-wicket haul in the semifinal, bringing his season tally to an impressive 55 wickets from 16 innings.
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also commended the team's success, stating on X, "Congratulations to the J&K cricket team for your outstanding victory in the Ranji Trophy semi-final! You have created a new golden chapter in the sporting history of J&K. The entire Union Territory is proud of your exceptional performance. May you maintain this winning momentum and continue to bring glory to J&K," said the L-G.