Ranji Trophy: Jammu & Kashmir Create History, Beat West Bengal To Reach Maiden Ranji Trophy Final In 67 Years

Jammu and Kashmir beat Bengal, Ranji Trophy: Jammu & Kashmir have scripted history as they reach new heights, making their first-ever Ranji Trophy final after beating Bengal by 6 wickets in the semis in Kaylyani on Wednesday. They will be making their first final appearance in 67 years.

Set a below-par target of 126 by the home side, they chased it down in 34.4 overs, with Vanshaj Sharma (43 not out) and Abdul Samad (30 not out) steering them past the finish line. J&K first participated in the Ranji Trophy in the 1959-60 season and was not seen as a contender until now. During the 2013-14 season, they qualified for the knockouts for the first time in over a decade.

After being put into bat first, Bengal posted a massive total of 328 runs before getting bowled out in 97.1 overs. Sudip Kumar Gharami was their star performer, having smashed an impressive hundred. He went on to play a magnificent knock of 146 runs on the back of 21 fours and a six. For Jammu & Kashmir, Auqib Nabi Dar continued his inspirational form and went on to pick up a brilliant five-for for 87 runs in 26 balls, whereas Sunil Kumar found three scalps.

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In response, fifties from Abdul Samad (82) and skipper Paras Dogra (58) helped Jammu and Kashmir reach 302. Auqib produced a crucial contribution with the bat as well, scoring 42 runs in 54 balls with the help of five fours and a six. For Bengal, the senior pacer Mohammed Shami came up with a special performance, taking eight wickets for 90 runs to make sure his team took a first-inning lead.

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Interestingly, Bengal had a horrible outing with the bat in their second innings, allowing Jammu and Kashmir to bounce back in the contest. They were bowled out for just 99 runs in 25.1 overs, giving their opponents a short target. It was Auqib Nabi again for Jammu and Kashmir to produce a much-needed, tremendous performance. He got the support from Sunil Kumar, with the duo taking four wickets each, whereas Yudhvir Singh Charak found a couple of scalps as well.

It took just 34.4 overs for J&K to chase down the total. Vanshaj Sharma remained unbeaten on 43 runs, whereas Abdul Samad remained consistent with a crucial contribution of 30 runs in just 27 deliveries. Akash Deep tried his best for Bengal, taking three wickets to reduce the batting side in concerning position, but Jammu & Kashmir had enough firepower to get over the line.

Before this season, Jammu and Kashmir had played 334 Ranji matches, winning only 45. Their first victory came 44 years after their debut, against Services in 1982-83.