Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Feb 09 :
Jammu & Kashmir carved a historic chapter in domestic cricket on Monday, defeating Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 quarterfinal at Holkar Stadium, Indore, to secure their first-ever semi-final berth.
The landmark victory was built on a phenomenal bowling performance, spearheaded by pacer Auqib Nabi, who produced a match-winning spell across both innings.
Nabi, per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) claimed 12 wickets in the match, repeatedly breaking through MP’s batting lineup and swinging momentum J&K’s way whenever the contest tightened.
Despite managing modest totals with the bat in both innings, J&K’s bowlers ensured complete control of the game. Nabi’s fiery spell in the first innings handed the team a crucial lead, and his relentless pace in the second innings triggered a dramatic collapse as Madhya Pradesh faltered under pressure.
Supported by disciplined bowling from the rest of the attack and sharp work in the field, J&K kept MP on the defensive through the decisive phases of the match. Madhya Pradesh were eventually bowled out as J&K clinched a memorable 56‑run victory.
This historic win marks a major milestone for J&K cricket—ending years of quarterfinal heartbreak and showcasing the team’s rising stature in India’s premier domestic competition—(KNO)