Jammu & Kashmir Defeat Bengal to Enter First-Ever Ranji Trophy Final

Kalyani: Jammu & Kashmir scripted history by securing their maiden Ranji Trophy final berth with a commanding six-wicket victory over Bengal on the fourth day of their semifinal at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground on Wednesday.

Seam-bowling all-rounder Auqib Nabi delivered a decisive performance, claiming four wickets, while Sunil Kumar provided crucial support as Bengal were bundled out for just 99 in their second innings on day three. The collapse handed Jammu & Kashmir firm control of the match.

Chasing a modest target of 126, Jammu & Kashmir completed the task in 34.4 overs. Vanshaj Sharma remained unbeaten on 43, and Abdul Samad anchored the chase with an undefeated 30 to steer the side home comfortably.

Earlier in the day, Mohammed Shami and Akash Deep gave Bengal early breakthroughs by dismissing Shubham Pundir (27) and skipper Paras Dogra (9). However, Samad shifted the momentum with an aggressive counterattack, smashing two towering sixes off Shahbaz Ahmed over long-on and extra cover.

Sharma then took charge, striking three boundaries off Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal before finishing the contest in style with a six over Mukesh Kumar’s head, sparking jubilant celebrations as teammates lifted their coach in triumph.

Nabi was adjudged Player of the Match for his nine-wicket haul across both innings, capping a landmark day for a Jammu & Kashmir side that has steadily built a strong reputation in red-ball cricket over recent seasons.

Jammu & Kashmir will now face Karnataka cricket team in the final from February 24 to 28. Karnataka are on course for a first-innings lead against Uttarakhand cricket team in the other semifinal being played in Lucknow.

For Jammu & Kashmir, February 18 will remain a defining milestone in their cricketing history.

Brief Scores:
Bengal 328 & 99 lost to Jammu & Kashmir 302 & 126/4 (34.4 overs) by six wickets.
(Vanshaj Sharma 43*; Abdul Samad 30*; Akash Deep 3/46; Mohammed Shami 1/24)

With inputs from IANS