Auqib Nabi's Bowling Masterclass Seals Ranji Trophy Semifinal Spot for Jammu & Kashmir
In a thrilling display of fast bowling, Auqib Nabi delivered a career-defining performance, claiming 12 wickets to propel Jammu & Kashmir to a 56-run victory over former champions Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal on Monday. This decisive win at the iconic venue secured J&K a coveted spot in the tournament's semifinals, marking a significant milestone for the team.
Match Summary and Semifinal Prospects
Set a challenging target of 291 runs on the penultimate day, Madhya Pradesh's batting lineup crumbled under pressure, being bowled out for 234 in their second innings. This defeat ended their campaign abruptly, while Jammu & Kashmir advanced confidently to the last four. In the upcoming semifinals, J&K will face the winner of the quarterfinal clash between Andhra and Bengal. Meanwhile, the other semifinal will feature Uttarakhand taking on Karnataka, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the domestic cricket season.
Auqib Nabi's Dominant Spell
The 29-year-old pacer, Auqib Nabi, emerged as the undisputed hero of the match, showcasing remarkable skill and consistency. Building on his stunning first-innings figures of 7/40, he followed up with an incisive second-innings spell of 5/70. His combined match haul of 12 for 110 proved to be the decisive factor, as Madhya Pradesh's batsmen struggled to counter his relentless accuracy and movement on the pitch.
Resuming at a precarious 84 for 5, with Auqib already having taken 3/23 overnight, Madhya Pradesh never truly recovered from the early setbacks. The pacer struck early on the final day, removing Ramveer Gurjar for 11, before dismantling the backbone of the resistance by dismissing Saransh Jain, who had battled valiantly for his 64 off 81 balls to keep hopes alive. The collapse accelerated swiftly thereafter, with tailender Aryan Pandey contributing 22 runs, but by then, the outcome was inevitable.
Key Moments and Supporting Roles
India all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer was the first to depart earlier in the day, falling at 104, as Madhya Pradesh managed to add only 20 runs to their overnight score before losing him. Sensing the opening, Jammu & Kashmir tightened their grip on the match. Saransh Jain, the lone bright spot for Madhya Pradesh, attempted to stage a recovery by forging useful partnerships with Shubham Sharma (32) and Gurjar, striking seven boundaries and a six in the process.
However, once Auqib returned to end Jain's resistance, the visitors had little left to offer. Left-arm spinner Abid Mushtaq provided excellent support at the other end, finishing with figures of 3 for 49 to ensure there was no late escape for Madhya Pradesh. This comprehensive all-round effort, spearheaded by Auqib's devastating spell, allowed Jammu & Kashmir to march confidently into the Ranji Trophy semifinals, continuing their impressive run in the tournament.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Jammu & Kashmir has demonstrated their potential as a formidable force in domestic cricket. The team's focus now shifts to the semifinals, where they aim to build on this momentum and potentially secure a place in the final. Auqib Nabi's exceptional performance not only highlights his individual talent but also underscores the collective strength and determination of the J&K squad as they pursue glory in one of India's premier cricket competitions.
