Kalyani (West Bengal), February 18, 2026 : Jammu and Kashmir etched their name into Indian cricket history by qualifying for the Ranji Trophy final for the first time in 67 years, defeating two-time champions Bengal by six wickets on day four of the semifinal on Wednesday.
Chasing a modest 126-run target, J&K completed the task in 34.4 overs, riding on a calm and composed unbeaten partnership between Vanshaj Sharma (43*) and Abdul Samad (30*), who added 55 crucial runs after early jitters.
Auqib Nabi Sets the Tone
The foundation of the historic win was laid by pace spearhead Auqib Nabi, who delivered a match-winning spell, claiming nine wickets across both innings to dismantle Bengal’s batting and restrict the hosts to a below-par second-innings total.
Calm Under Pressure
Resuming day four at 43/2, J&K lost overnight batter Shubham Pundir (27) and skipper Paras Dogra (9) early. However, the middle order showed remarkable composure, ensuring there were no further setbacks on the way to a landmark victory.
A Long Journey to the Summit
Jammu and Kashmir first featured in the Ranji Trophy in the 1959–60 season and had long been considered underdogs. Their first knockout qualification came in 2013–14, and the current season has now culminated in an unprecedented final berth — a testament to the region’s steady cricketing rise.
Brief Scores
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Bengal: 328 & 99 (25.1 overs)
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Jammu and Kashmir: 302 & 126/4 (34.4 overs)
(Vanshaj Sharma 43, Abdul Samad 30*)*
With this win, Jammu and Kashmir cricket team stand just one step away from lifting India’s premier domestic cricket trophy, carrying the hopes of an entire Union Territory into the final.
