Indore, Feb 9 : Jammu and Kashmir scripted history on Monday by qualifying for the Ranji Trophy semifinals for the first time, registering a memorable 56-run victory over former champions Madhya Pradesh, powered by a sensational bowling performance from pacer Auqib Nabi.
As per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, The 29-year-old fast bowler delivered a career-defining spell, claiming a match haul of 12 wickets, as Madhya Pradesh were bowled out for 234 while chasing a target of 291. With this win, J&K advanced to the last four stage of India’s premier domestic tournament for the first time since their debut 67 years ago.
Auqib emerged as the standout performer, following up his first-innings figures of 7/40 with another incisive spell of 5/70 in the second innings, dismantling the MP batting lineup and finishing with 12 wickets for just 110 runs.
Resuming the day at 84 for 5, Madhya Pradesh never fully recovered as Auqib struck early, removing Ramveer Gurjar (11) before ending the resistance put up by Saransh Jain, who scored a gritty 64 off 81 balls. India all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer was dismissed early in the day after adding only 20 runs to the overnight score.
Tailender Aryan Pandey contributed 22 runs, but the collapse was inevitable as J&K bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Left-arm spinner Abid Mushtaq provided solid support, picking up three wickets for 49 runs.
With this historic win, Jammu and Kashmir will now face the winner of the quarterfinal between Andhra and Bengal in the semifinals. The other semifinal will be played between Uttarakhand and Karnataka. J&K had last reached the Ranji knockouts six years ago.
Brief Scores:
Jammu & Kashmir: 194 & 248 all out (70.3 overs)
Madhya Pradesh: 152 & 234 all out (68.3 overs)
Shubham Sharma 32, Saransh Jain 64; Auqib Nabi 5/70, Abid Mushtaq 3/49. —KNC
