JKCA defeat Punjab in first practice match ahead of Ranji season

Srinagar, Sep 24: The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) senior team registered a convincing win over Punjab in their first practice match as part of preparations for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season here at Sheri-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar.

Riding on a superb 131 from opener Qamran Iqbal and a quickfire 88 by Abdul Samad, J&K posted a strong first-innings total. All-rounder Abid Mushtaq added an unbeaten 36. Punjab’s Sumit Sharma claimed five wickets, while Sahil Khan bagged four.

In reply, Punjab were bundled out cheaply under a score of 50 runs, with only Inderpreet Singh (17 not out) and Anshul Choudhury (14) reaching double figures. J&K bowlers dominated, with Aquib Nabi and Sunil Kumar taking three wickets each, while Umran Malik picked two and Umer Nazir one.

In the second innings, J&K consolidated their advantage as Abid Mushtaq (52), Musaif Aijaz (44), Yawar Hassan (43), and Umran Malik (36 not out) chipped in with useful contributions. Punjab’s Sahil Khan and Sumit Sharma bagged 4 and 3 wickets each but could not prevent J&K from tightening their grip.

Punjab’s second-innings resistance came through Salil Arora (79 not out) and Anil Yadav (51), but J&K bowlers ensured no turnaround.

, with Sunil Kumar taking four wickets, Aquib Nabi three, and Abid Mushtaq two to seal the win.

With this victory, JKCA have built momentum before the Ranji Trophy opener in Srinagar. The side is now scheduled to play another practice match against Punjab in Chandigarh as part of their final build-up.