JK storm into maiden Ranji Trophy final; CM Omar, LG Sinha hail historic entry

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir scripted the biggest moment in its cricketing history, qualifying for the Ranji Trophy final for the first time with a six-wicket win over Bengal in a sensational semifinal on Wednesday. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha praised the team.

A fiery pace display from Auqib Nabi and Sunil Kumar dismantled Bengal’s batting in the second innings, laying the foundation for the historic triumph.

Resuming Day 4 within touching distance of victory, J&K chased down the 126-run target with composure despite a few early jitters, sealing their place in the final and sparking jubilant celebrations in the camp.

From Srinagar to cricketing circles across the country, the victory is being hailed as a landmark moment for the region’s sporting rise.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated the team, calling it a reflection of their determination, discipline and the growing sports culture of Jammu and Kashmir.

He also praised captain Paras Dogra for becoming only the second player in India’s domestic circuit to cross 10,000 Ranji runs, and lauded Auqib Nabi for his nine-wicket haul in the semifinal, which took his season tally to 55 wickets from 16 innings.

The Chief Minister extended his best wishes to the side for the final, expressing hope that the team would continue its remarkable run and bring further glory to the region.

In a post on X, the Office of the J&K LG lauded the team’s performance and described the achievement as a milestone in the region’s sporting journey.

“Congratulations to the J&K cricket team on their magnificent victory in the Ranji Trophy semi-final! You have etched a new golden chapter in the sporting history of J&K,” the post read.

The Lieutenant Governor further stated that the entire Union Territory takes pride in the team’s exceptional performance and expressed hope that the players would maintain their winning momentum in the final to bring further glory to Jammu and Kashmir