Auqib, Sunil rock Bengal despite Shami’s 8-wicket haul

Srinagar, Feb 17: Pace spearhead Auqib Nabi delivered a remarkable all-round performance, starring with both bat and ball, as Jammu & Kashmir moved within touching distance of a historic Ranji Trophy final despite Mohammed Shami’s eight-wicket haul keeping Bengal in the contest at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground, Kalyani, on Tuesday.

Resuming their first innings on Day 3, J&K built on the overnight momentum through useful lower-order contributions. Abid Mushtaq and Kanhaiya Wadhawan stitched together a valuable 49-run partnership to steady the innings after early setbacks. However, India pacer Mohammed Shami struck twice in quick succession to remove both batters and dent J&K’s progress.

The momentum shifted again when Auqib Nabi and Yudhvir Singh counter-attacked with a crucial 64-run stand, taking J&K closer to Bengal’s first-innings total of 328. Auqib played an aggressive knock of 42, while Yudhvir contributed a fighting 33 before Shami returned to break the partnership.

J&K were eventually bowled out for 302, conceding a narrow first-innings lead of 26 runs. Shami was the standout performer for Bengal, finishing with an impressive eight-wicket haul and single-handedly keeping his side ahead.

However, J&K’s pace battery turned the match on its head in Bengal’s second innings. Auqib Nabi led the charge with a fiery spell, picking up four wickets and rattling Bengal’s top and middle order. He found excellent support in fellow pacer Sunil Kumar, who matched him with four wickets of his own, while Yudhvir Singh chipped in with two scalps.

The relentless pace attack triggered a dramatic collapse as Bengal were bundled out for just 99, setting J&K a modest target of 126 runs for a place in the Ranji Trophy final, a feat that would mark a historic milestone for the team.

Chasing the target, J&K’s opening woes resurfaced as both openers fell cheaply with only 12 runs on the board, raising concerns in the camp. However, Shubham Pundir and Vanshaj Sharma steadied the innings with an unbroken stand towards the close of play.

At stumps on Day 3, J&K were 43 for 2, with Pundir batting on 23 and Vanshaj on 9, needing another 83 runs to script history and qualify for their maiden Ranji Trophy final.

With eight wickets in hand and the target well within reach, J&K will look to their middle order to finish the job on the fourth day and seal what would be one of the greatest victories in the team’s domestic cricket history.

J&K’s remarkable fightback also drew praise from noted historian Ramachandra Guha, who lauded the team’s performance in a post on X. “Fabulous fight back by Jammu and Kashmir against Bengal. Really hoping for a Karnataka versus J&K Ranji final. If that happens, who knows, I might for once not cheer for my beloved home state,” Guha wrote.

Former Jammu and Kashmir captain Samiullah Beigh also heaped rich praise on the team, crediting pace spearhead Auqib Nabi for his all-round brilliance and lauding the collective effort. “Outstanding Auqib with ball as well as bat, supported by incredible Sunil with ball and Paras with excellent leadership in the field, are on the cusp of the greatest sporting feat for J&K. With just 83 to win, a partnership of 40-odd runs would seal it for J&K. Incredible team, incredible players,” Beigh said. He said defeating Bengal in their own backyard would be a landmark achievement. “Defeating Bengal having three current India pacers, at their home, in a semifinal, must command respect. Rise and shine,” he added.