Pace hero Auqib leads J&K’s final charge

Srinagar, Feb 17: Jammu & Kashmir’s pace spearhead Auqib Nabi delivered a stirring all-round performance to keep his side on the brink of a historic Ranji Trophy final, producing decisive contributions with both ball and bat in the semifinal against Bengal at Kalyani.

After Bengal secured a slender first-innings lead, Auqib returned to haunt the hosts with a fiery spell in the second innings, claiming 4 wickets for 36 runs in 10 overs. Bowling with pace, accuracy and movement, he struck early blows and dismantled Bengal’s top and middle order, triggering a dramatic collapse that saw the opposition bundled out for just 99.

He found an able ally in fellow pacer Sunil Kumar, but it was Auqib’s ability to break partnerships and maintain relentless pressure that turned the match firmly in J&K’s favour.

Earlier, Auqib had already showcased his value with the bat. Coming in with J&K still trailing Bengal’s first-innings total, he played a counter-attacking knock of 42 off 54 balls, laced with five fours and a six. His crucial 64-run partnership with Yudhvir Singh (33) lifted J&K to a competitive 302, ensuring Bengal’s lead remained within reach.

His twin impact, rescuing J&K with the bat and then demolishing Bengal with the ball, shifted the momentum decisively and left J&K chasing a modest 126-run target for a place in their maiden Ranji Trophy final.

With the match finely poised, Auqib’s all-round brilliance stands as the defining performance of the semifinal, underlining his status as the heartbeat of Jammu & Kashmir’s historic campaign.