Kalyani | Feb 18,2026 | SKY LINK TIMES
Jammu & Kashmir Enter 1st-Ever Ranji Trophy Final:
In a historic breakthrough for the region’s cricketing journey, Jammu & Kashmir have qualified for their first-ever Ranji Trophy final after defeating Bengal by six wickets in the semifinal at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground on Wednesday.
The landmark victory marks a golden chapter for J&K cricket, as the team displayed composure and dominance to seal the win on Day Four.
Table of Contents
Auqib Nabi’s Match-Winning Spell Turns the Tide
Seam-bowling all-rounder Auqib Nabi emerged as the hero of the contest with a sensational match haul of nine wickets. Alongside Sunil Kumar, Nabi dismantled Bengal’s batting lineup in the second innings, bowling them out for just 99 on Day Three.
Bengal had earlier posted 328 in their first innings, while J&K responded with 302. However, the dramatic collapse in Bengal’s second innings tilted the contest decisively in J&K’s favour.
Nabi was rightfully adjudged Player of the Match for his match-winning performance.
Confident Chase Seals Historic Entry
Set a modest target of 126, J&K chased it down comfortably in 34.4 overs, finishing at 126/4.
The innings saw early jolts when Mohammed Shami and Akash Deep dismissed Shubham Pundir (27) and captain Paras Dogra (9). But the counterattack from Abdul Samad turned the momentum back in J&K’s favour.
Samad smashed two towering sixes off Shahbaz Ahmed over long-on and extra cover, scoring an unbeaten 30. Vanshaj Sharma anchored the chase with a composed 43 not out, sealing the victory in style with a six over Mukesh Kumar’s head.
The moment triggered jubilant celebrations, with players lifting their coach amid emotional scenes.
Also Read:https://skylinktimes.in/india-beat-netherlands-in-davis-cup-qualifiers/
A Date with Karnataka in the Final
Jammu & Kashmir will now face Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy final scheduled from February 24 to 28. Karnataka are poised to take a first-innings lead against Uttarakhand in the other semifinal in Lucknow.
For J&K, February 18 will remain etched in golden letters as the day they broke new ground in India’s premier domestic cricket tournament.
Brief Scores
• Bengal: 328 & 99
• Jammu & Kashmir: 302 & 126/4 (34.4 overs)
• J&K won by six wickets
Top Performers:
• Vanshaj Sharma – 43*
• Abdul Samad – 30*
• Akash Deep – 3/46
• Mohammed Shami – 1/24
• Auqib Nabi – 9 wickets (match haul)
For More Info Stay Tuned: https://skylinktimes.in
