February 18: Jammu and Kashmir cricket team scripted history by reaching the final of the Ranji Trophy for the first time in their 67-year history, defeating two-time former champions Bengal cricket team by six wickets on the fourth day of their semifinal on Wednesday.
Chasing a modest target of 126 set by the hosts, Jammu and Kashmir completed the run chase in 34.4 overs, finishing at 126 for 4. Vanshaj Sharma remained unbeaten on 43, while Abdul Samad scored an unbeaten 30, as the duo guided the team home with a crucial 55-run partnership.
The victory was set up by pace spearhead Auqib Nabi, who claimed nine wickets in the match to dismantle Bengal’s batting and put his side in a commanding position.
Jammu and Kashmir first participated in the Ranji Trophy in the 1959–60 season and had never been considered serious title contenders. In the 2013–14 season, they reached the knockout stage for the first time in over a decade, but this marks their maiden appearance in the final.
Resuming day four at 43 for 2, Jammu and Kashmir lost overnight batter Shubham Pundir (27) and skipper Paras Dogra (9) early in the morning session. However, Sharma and Samad held their nerve to steer the side to a historic triumph.
Brief Scores:
Bengal: 328 and 99 (25.1 overs)
Jammu and Kashmir: 302 and 126/4 (34.4 overs) – Vanshaj Sharma 43*; Abdul Samad 30*
