‘We deserved it’: Jammu and Kashmir script history, stun Bengal to enter maiden Ranji Trophy final

Auqib Nabi (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Sixty-seven years after their maiden appearance, Jammu and Kashmir stormed into the Ranji Trophy final for the first time, defeating Bengal by six wickets in a stunning semifinal triumph that capped a fairytale run. Chasing a modest 126 at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground, the visitors rode on Abdul Samad’s unbeaten 30 off 27 balls and Vanshaj Sharma’s composed 43 not out to seal the historic victory with an unbroken 55-run stand on Wednesday.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! In a touching moment that symbolised the team’s unity, Samad stepped aside and allowed the young Vanshaj to finish the chase. The 22-year-old duly obliged, launching Mukesh Kumar over long-on for six to trigger emotional celebrations in the Jammu and Kashmir camp.

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The foundations of the win were laid by pace spearhead Auqib Nabi, who delivered a match-winning nine-wicket haul to dismantle Bengal. Reflecting on the achievement, Nabi said, “Last time we missed it in the quarters but we did all the hard work and we deserved it.” The 29-year-old capped a remarkable season, taking his tally to 55 wickets at an outstanding average, underlining his role as the architect of the team’s success. Jammu and Kashmir’s journey to the final marks a dramatic transformation for a side once labelled “perennial underachievers.” Having played 334 matches with limited success over decades, their resurgence under captain Paras Dogra and coach Ajay Sharma has been extraordinary. Dogra himself reached a major milestone, becoming only the second batter to score 10,000 Ranji Trophy runs. “It’s a big achievement, never thought about it. I enjoyed the journey full of ups and downs. The game makes you a strong human being,” he said. Bengal, despite boasting international stars, failed to defend a small target after being bowled out for just 99 in their second innings. Samad’s fearless strokeplay turned the tide, draining belief from the hosts.Brief scores:

Bengal: 328 and 99 in 25.1 overs.

Jammu and Kashmir: 302 and 126 for 4 in 34.4 overs (Vanshaj Sharma 43 not out, Abdul Samad 30 not out).

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