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Jammu and Kashmir created history, reached Ranji Trophy final for the first time, title clash with Karnataka possible

By Samira Vishwas

Kalyani, 18 February. Jammu and Kashmir created a new chapter in the history of Indian cricket on Wednesday when it reached the final for the first time in the Ranji Trophy competition, a symbol of national cricket supremacy. The Paras Dogra-led team achieved the feat by defeating hosts West Bengal by six wickets on the fourth day of the second semi-final at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground here.

Vansh and Samad brought success to Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir chased a modest target of 126 runs in the second innings and won by losing four wickets in 34.4 overs. The visitors advanced the innings with the previous evening’s score being 2-43. By the 28th over, four batsmen returned on the score of 71, including Shubham Pundir (27 runs, five fours). But Vanshaj Sharma (43 not out, one six, four fours) and Abdul Samad (30 not out, three sixes, one four) fed the wishes of Jammu and Kashmir camp with an unbroken 55-run partnership.

Karnataka has a formidable lead of 802 runs against Uttarakhand.

Jammu and Kashmir now have every chance of facing eight-time winners Karnataka in the final, which despite taking a huge lead of 503 runs on the basis of first innings against Uttarakhand in the first semi-final being played in Lucknow, decided to bat in the second innings on the fourth day. When the day’s play ended, Karnataka had scored 299 for six wickets. Thus his total lead has become 802 runs. If seen, Uttarakhand will chase the impossible target on the fifth and final day. That means Karnataka is certain to enter the final for the 15th time.

Mo. Bengal disappointed despite Shami’s career best performance (8-90)

As far as Bengal is concerned, despite a career best bowling performance (8-90) by India’s experienced pacer Mohammed Shami, it lost against the fast attack and flexible middle order of disciplined Jammu and Kashmir.

Pacers, Auqib and Sunil laid the foundation of Jammu and Kashmir’s victory.

In fact, the foundation of Jammu and Kashmir’s historic victory was laid by their pair of fast bowlers – Auqib Nabi (4-36) and Sunil Kumar (4-27). Bengal had taken a slight lead of 26 runs in the first innings, but its second innings collapsed badly on the third day. Jammu and Kashmir bowlers took advantage of the morning conditions to bowl out the hosts for just 99 runs in 25.1 overs.

After 67 years of debut, Jammu and Kashmir are on the threshold of title for the first time.

When play started on the fourth and final day of the match, Jammu and Kashmir needed 83 runs to win. The visiting batsmen did not show the slightest panic in front of Shami and company and after Shubham, Vansh and Samad ended the 67-year wait for Jammu and Kashmir, which had made its debut in this prestigious competition in 1959. The interesting fact is that Jammu and Kashmir had made it to the semi-finals for the first time by defeating Madhya Pradesh and now has entered the finals.

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