Gharami’s unbeaten ton puts Bengal in command against J&K on Day 1

Srinagar, Feb 15: Bengal rode on a magnificent unbeaten century by Sudip Kumar Gharami to seize the advantage against Jammu and Kashmir on Day 1 of their historic Ranji Trophy 2025–26 semi-final at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani on Sunday.

At stumps, Bengal were strongly placed at 249 for 5 in 79.5 overs, with Gharami holding firm on a superb 136 not out, anchoring the innings after early jolts from the spirited J&K pace attack.

Playing their maiden Ranji Trophy semi-final, Jammu and Kashmir showed early promise after skipper Paras Dogra won the toss and elected to field, hoping their in-form bowlers would continue their dream run.

The move paid immediate dividends when Sunil Kumar struck first, removing Sudip Chatterjee to give J&K the breakthrough.

Pace spearhead Auqib Nabi then produced the moment of the day, delivering a peach of an inswinger that crashed into the stumps of Bengal captain Abhimanyu Easwaran, who had looked solid during his 49-run knock. Auqib struck again later to dismiss Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, finishing the day with two crucial wickets and maintaining relentless pressure.

Despite the setbacks, Bengal found their hero in Sudip Kumar Gharami, who continued his rich vein of form. Displaying immense patience and composure, Gharami weathered the early storm and gradually took control of the innings. His unbeaten knock of 136, studded with 19 boundaries, came off 227 deliveries and formed the backbone of Bengal’s total.

Gharami found useful support from Anustup Majumdar (14) and later Shahbaz Ahmed, who contributed a valuable 42 runs, helping Bengal rebuild through important middle-order partnerships.

Spinner Abid Mushtaq chipped in with one wicket, trapping Majumdar, while Sunil Kumar returned to deliver another crucial blow on the last ball of the day, dismissing the well-set Shahbaz leg-before to end the day on a positive note for J&K.

Sunil finished with two wickets, while Auqib Nabi’s disciplined spell ensured J&K remained in the contest despite Bengal’s strong recovery.

However, the honours of the opening day clearly belonged to Bengal, courtesy Gharami’s outstanding century that kept Jammu and Kashmir’s bowlers at bay and tilted the balance in the hosts’ favour.

With plenty of cricket still left in the match, Jammu and Kashmir will look for early breakthroughs on Day 2 to restrict Bengal’s first innings total, while Bengal will aim to build a commanding score through their unbeaten centurion.