In a moment that will be etched forever in Jammu & Kashmir cricket history, the team stormed into the Ranji Trophy semifinals for the first time in 67 years, riding on a sensational bowling performance by pacer Auqib Nabi, who dismantled former champions Madhya Pradesh with a career-best 12-wicket haul.
Chasing a target of 291, Madhya Pradesh collapsed for 234, handing J&K a memorable 56-run victory and a place in the last four of India’s premier domestic red-ball tournament.
Auqib Nabi Steals the Show with Match-Winning Spell
The 29-year-old speedster emerged as the undisputed hero, adding 5/70 in the second innings to his first-innings figures of 7/40, finishing with incredible match figures of 12 for 110. His consistent match-winning performances this season have now sparked strong calls for national team selection.
Madhya Pradesh resumed on 84/5, but Auqib wasted no time in finishing the job. He removed Ramveer Gurjar (11) early before breaking the resistance of Saransh Jain, who fought valiantly with an 81-ball 64. Tailender Aryan Pandey’s 22 delayed the inevitable, but the collapse had already begun.
India all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer was the first major scalp of the day, departing at 104, just 20 runs added to MP’s overnight score — a moment that tilted the match firmly in J&K’s favour.
Abid Mushtaq Chips In as J&K Seal Historic Win
Left-arm spinner Abid Mushtaq also played a vital role, claiming 3 wickets for 49 runs, ensuring Madhya Pradesh never found momentum.
Despite brave efforts from Saransh Jain, who stitched partnerships with Shubham Sharma (32) and Gurjar, Jammu & Kashmir’s disciplined bowling attack proved too strong.
With this landmark win, J&K advance to the semifinals, where they will face the winner of the quarterfinal between Andhra and Bengal. The other semifinal will be contested between Uttarakhand and Karnataka.
Notably, this is J&K’s first Ranji semifinal appearance since their maiden season 67 years ago — and their first knockout qualification in six years.
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
