Auqib Nabi stars, J&K batters falter again

Srinagar, Feb 7: Jammu and Kashmir rode on a sensational seven-wicket haul by pacer Auqib Nabi to secure a crucial first-innings lead against Madhya Pradesh on Day 2 of the Ranji Trophy Elite quarterfinal at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Saturday.

Resuming their first innings in reply to J&K’s 194, Madhya Pradesh were bundled out for 152 in 53.4 overs, handing J&K a valuable 42-run lead in the high-stakes knockout clash. Auqib emerged as the standout performer, ripping through the MP batting lineup with figures of 7 for 40, consistently striking to halt any hopes of recovery by the hosts.

MP’s resistance was largely built around Yash Dubey, who top-scored with 58 off 123 balls, while Venkatesh Iyer contributed 22. However, frequent breakthroughs by Auqib ensured MP never gained full control, with Sunil Kumar providing able support by picking up three wickets.

With the advantage in hand, J&K had an opportunity to consolidate their position in the match, but their second innings once again exposed familiar batting frailties. The top and middle order failed to offer resistance against a disciplined MP bowling attack, as J&K slumped to 84 for 5 in 26 overs at stumps.

Shubham Khajuria (13) and Yawer Hassan (1) departed early, while Shubham Singh Pundir (4) and skipper P K Dogra (17) were unable to convert starts. Abdul Samad showed some intent with a brisk 32, but his dismissal further dented J&K’s hopes of stretching the lead significantly.

At the close of play, Kanhaiya Wadhawan (7*) and Abid Mushtaq (3*) were at the crease, with J&K holding an overall lead of 126 runs. While the advantage remains with J&K, the repeated batting collapses leave the contest delicately poised heading into Day 3.

Madhya Pradesh’s bowlers, led by Kuldeep Sen and Venkatesh Iyer, kept the pressure tight, ensuring the visitors could not run away with the game despite Auqib Nabi’s heroics earlier in the day.