In one of the most remarkable turnarounds of the domestic cricket season, Jammu and Kashmir pulled off a stunning three-wicket victory against Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, thanks to a heroic, unbeaten century from Auqib Nabi.
From the Brink of Defeat to an Unlikely Hope
The thrilling contest unfolded at the Niranjan Shah Stadium's Ground C in Rajkot on Thursday. Chasing a challenging target set by Hyderabad, the Jammu and Kashmir innings crumbled early. They found themselves in dire straits at 90 for 7, with their top order dismantled by a disciplined Hyderabad bowling attack.
Hyderabad's captain CV Milind and the experienced Mohammed Siraj were instrumental in the collapse, each claiming two wickets. Their strategy of exploiting the pitch's pace and bounce with short-pitched deliveries paid rich dividends, leaving J&K's chase in tatters.
Nabi and Sharma Forge a Match-Winning Alliance
With defeat seeming inevitable, Auqib Nabi walked in and composed a career-defining knock under immense pressure. Displaying remarkable calm and calculated aggression, Nabi single-handedly shifted the momentum. He targeted the spinners with authority, using his height and impeccable timing to dispatch the ball over the boundary ropes with astonishing ease.
Nabi found a perfect ally in Vanshaj Sharma, and together they constructed a monumental, unbroken partnership. Their eighth-wicket stand yielded a massive 182 runs, completely derailing Hyderabad's grip on the game. Sharma played the perfect supporting role, finishing not out on a valuable 69.
The partnership was characterized by smart running, clean hitting, and capitalizing on Hyderabad's growing frustration, which manifested in dropped catches and missed opportunities. Auqib Nabi brought up his maiden List A century in just 65 balls, a testament to his fighting spirit. He remained unbeaten on a spectacular 114 runs from only 82 deliveries, an innings decorated with 10 fours and 7 sixes.
Hyderabad's Strong Total Proves Insufficient
Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Hyderabad had posted a competitive total. Rahul Singh Gahlaut provided a fiery start with 56 off 36 balls, setting a solid platform. Aman Rao contributed a steady 60, while K. Nitesh Reddy's unbeaten 54 towards the end propelled the team past the 250-run mark, setting what looked like a winning score at the innings break.
Despite some lapses in the field from Jammu and Kashmir, Nabi's extraordinary innings ensured his team clinched a victory that will be remembered as one of the greatest comebacks in the tournament's history. Jammu and Kashmir crossed the finishing line with 13 balls to spare, completing a win that seemed impossible just a few hours earlier.
This victory not only highlights the individual brilliance of Auqib Nabi but also underscores the never-say-die attitude of the Jammu and Kashmir team in the national one-day competition.
