J&K storms into Ranji Trophy quarter-finals
Srinagar, Feb 2: Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday secured a spot in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals with a resounding 182-run victory over Baroda, topping Elite Group A with 35 points.
The win, powered by Sahil Lotra’s sensational seven-wicket haul on Day 4, complemented his match figures of 11/101, and Kanhaiya Wadhwan’s crucial knocks of 71 and 84 earned him the Player of the Match award.
Reflecting on the victory, J&K all-rounder Yudhvir Singh Charak highlighted the team’s determination heading into the knockouts.
"Obviously, we are feeling proud to top the group and defeat strong teams. This victory was special for us, and we are confident of performing well in the quarterfinals," Charak told Greater Kashmir. "We will give 110% in the knockout stage."
Lotra’s Dream Spell
Resuming Day 4 at 58/2, Baroda’s batters struggled to withstand Lotra’s relentless attack. Despite brief resistance from Shashwat Rawat (25) and Mahesh Pithia (26), Lotra triggered a collapse, removing Rawat (25), Rathva (8), and Pithia (26), leaving Baroda reeling at 109/5.
Baroda skipper Krunal Pandya (11) was castled by Lotra, while Vishnu Solanki (42) fought valiantly before Abid Mushtaq (3/71) dismissed him.
J&K wrapped up the match post-lunch, as Lotra dismissed Mitesh Patel (15) before Mushtaq scalped the last two wickets, rolling Baroda out for 182.
Lotra’s final figures of 7/75 in the innings and 11/101 in the match underlined his dominance. Abid Mushtaq’s three wickets provided key support in a clinical bowling display.
Wadhwan’s Batting Class
With the bat, Kanhaiya Wadhwan was the backbone of J&K’s innings in both innings, scoring 71 in the first innings and 84 in the second innings, playing a key role in setting up a match-winning total.
His consistency under pressure earned him the Player of the Match award. Shubham Khajuria also contributed with bat & ball scoring crucial 94 runs in the second innings and 3 wickets in the first innings of the match.
With this emphatic win, J&K not only secured a spot in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals but also sent a strong statement to their future opponents.
Charak also praised Sahil Lotra's match-winning spell, acknowledging his key role in setting up the victory. "He bowled brilliantly and set the match in our favor," Charak stated, adding that it was a complete team effort.
He credited Abid Mushtaq's contributions with the ball and the batting performances of Shubham Khajuria and Kanhaiya Wadhwan, who played crucial knocks.
Looking ahead to the quarterfinals, Charak assured fans of the team’s determination. "We will give 110% in the knockout stage."