Historic win: J&K beat Delhi in Ranji Trophy for first time in 65 yrs
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New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir achieved a historic milestone on Tuesday, defeating Delhi by seven wickets at the Arun Jaitley Stadium to register their first-ever Ranji Trophy victory against the capital side.
This marks J&K’s second outright win of the season, propelling them to second place in the Elite Group D points table, just behind leaders Mumbai.
After winning the toss, J&K opted to bowl first, and Auqib Nabi delivered a sensational performance, dismantling Delhi’s batting line-up with figures of 5-35. He received strong support from Vanshaj Sharma (2-57) and Abid Mushtaq (2-30) as the hosts were bowled out for 211 in their first innings.
J&K’s top order stumbled early in response, but skipper Paras Dogra produced a commanding 106 off 183 balls, while Abdul Samad added 85 off 115 balls. Kanhaiya Wadhawan’s quick 47 off 81 deliveries further strengthened the innings, helping J&K post 310 and take a 91-run first-innings lead.
In their second innings, Delhi seemed to regain control at 267/5, led by Ayush Badoni’s 72 off 73 balls and Ayush Doseja’s 62 off 88. However, the visitors’ bowling sparked a dramatic collapse, with Delhi losing their last five wickets for just 10 runs and being dismissed for 277. Left-arm spinner Vanshaj Sharma was the key architect of this collapse, claiming 6-68 in only his fourth first-class match, marking his third five-wicket haul.
Chasing a target of 179, J&K resumed Day 3 at 55/2, with Qamran Iqbal and Vanshaj Sharma at the crease. On Day 4, Qamran Iqbal’s unbeaten 133—his career-best innings—guided J&K to their historic victory, marking a triumph in their 43rd Ranji Trophy encounter against Delhi.
Brief Scores: Delhi 211 & 277 all out (Ayush Badoni 72, Ayush Doseja 62; Vanshaj Sharma 6-68) lost to Jammu & Kashmir 310 & 179/3 (Qamran Iqbal 133 not out, Hritik Shokeen 2-52) by seven wickets.
With PTI inputs