Nabi’s 12-for Powers J&K Into Maiden Ranji Trophy Semi-Final

Jammu and Kashmir created history by reaching their first-ever Ranji Trophy semi-final, sealing a dramatic 56-run victory over Madhya Pradesh in their quarter-final clash at Indore. The landmark achievement comes 67 years after J&K first featured in India’s premier domestic competition and six years after their last knockout appearance.

Fast bowler Auqib Nabi was the architect of the famous win, returning sensational match figures of 12 for 110. His performance proved decisive in a contest that swung repeatedly before J&K finally emerged on top. Nabi, the only seamer among the top five wicket-takers this Ranji season, took his tally to 46 wickets, second only to Uttarakhand spinner Mayank Mishra (52). Since the start of the 2024–25 season, Nabi has now claimed an astonishing 97 first-class wickets.

Madhya Pradesh began the fourth day on 87 for 5, chasing a target of 291, but suffered an early blow when vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer fell within the first half hour. Allrounder Saransh Jain then revived MP’s hopes with a fluent 64, stitching together vital partnerships with Shubham Sharma and Ramveer Gurjar to keep the chase alive.

Just as MP threatened to wrest control, Nabi struck again, producing a delivery that jagged back sharply to beat Saransh’s defence. With MP reduced to 211 for 9, the result seemed inevitable. The last-wicket pair of Aryan Pandey and Kuldeep Sen delayed the finish by adding 23 runs, but Yudhvir Singh eventually bowled Pandey to spark jubilant celebrations in the J&K camp.

The match had been finely poised throughout. J&K were bowled out for 194 in the first innings but roared back on the back of Nabi’s 7 for 40 to secure a narrow 42-run lead. MP responded strongly in the second innings, leaving J&K struggling at 73 for 5. However, resistance from the lower order, led by Abid Mushtaq’s 41 and an unbeaten 54 from Vanshraj Sharma, helped J&K recover.

Even with J&K slipping to 183 for 9, MP appeared well placed, facing a target of under 250. But a crucial 65-run stand for the final wicket between Sunil Kumar and Yudhvir Singh pushed the target beyond reach, ultimately providing the cushion J&K needed to script a memorable victory and book their place in the semi-finals for the first time.