Jammu & Kashmir's Historic Ranji Trophy Surge: From Underdogs to Finalists

Jammu and Kashmir cricket team reached the Ranji Trophy finals for the first time, defeating former champions Bengal. This historic victory was propelled by Auqib Nabi's standout performance and Abdul Samad's bold batting, showcasing a transformation from underachievers to formidable challengers in this prestigious cricket championship.

In a groundbreaking performance, Jammu and Kashmir's cricket team secured their first-ever spot in the Ranji Trophy finals, overcoming former champions Bengal by six wickets. This win adds a remarkable chapter to their season's narrative, marked by Auqib Nabi's nine-wicket haul and Abdul Samad's fearless batting display.

Chasing a target of 126 runs, Jammu and Kashmir capitalized on Samad's unbeaten 30 and Vanshaj Sharma's steady 43 to clinch victory. This performance follows a historical trend of rare successes, highlighted by a dramatic quarterfinal win over Madhya Pradesh with Nabi's outstanding 12-wicket feat.

Bengal's formidable lineup, featuring Indian internationals, faltered despite initial promise, with the team succumbing in the face of Samad's offensive play. Settling into their final stride, Jammu and Kashmir benefited from crucial efforts by Dogra and Nabi, cementing their transformation and poised for a historic championship victory.

(With inputs from agencies.)