RANJI TROPHY 2025-26: Auqib Nabi leads J&K charge, MP stumble to 87/5 at stumps

Srinagar, Feb 8: Jammu and Kashmir tightened their grip on the Ranji Trophy Elite quarterfinal against Madhya Pradesh after a late-order batting surge followed by a fiery bowling spell left Madhya Pradesh reeling at 87 for 5 at stumps on Day 3 at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Sunday.

Resuming their second innings on the third morning, J&K looked to rebuild after early setbacks, with Kanhaiya Wadhawan and Abid Mushtaq steadying the innings through a 51-run partnership. While Wadhawan showed promise, he failed to convert his start and was dismissed for 23. Abid Mushtaq continued to anchor the innings, contributing a vital 41 before falling in the middle session.

With wickets falling at regular intervals, J&K’s innings received a crucial boost at the tail end through an assured partnership between Vanshaj Sharma and Sunil Kumar. The duo added a match-defining 65 runs, taking J&K to a competitive total of 248 in 70.3 overs. Vanshaj remained unbeaten on a resolute 54, while Sunil Kumar chipped in with a valuable 26, helping J&K stretch their overall lead to 290 runs.

For Madhya Pradesh, Kuldeep Sen once again emerged as the standout bowler, finishing the match with a remarkable nine wickets across the two innings, ensuring the target was kept within reach.

Set a challenging target of 291 for victory, Madhya Pradesh’s chase began on a shaky note as J&K’s pace and spin struck early. Auqib Nabi, ably supported by Abid Mushtaq, tore through the top order, reducing MP to 59 for 3 within 22 overs. Skipper Rajat Patidar briefly threatened to stabilise the innings, but his stay was cut short when Auqib dismissed him for just eight runs.

At the close of play, Madhya Pradesh were 87 for 5, still needing 204 runs with five wickets in hand. Auqib Nabi led the bowling effort with three wickets, while Abid Mushtaq claimed two, keeping J&K firmly in control heading into the decisive Day 4.

Meanwhile, cricket enthusiast Mushtaq Wagay said the contest appears to be tilting in favour of Jammu and Kashmir, adding that the side has a strong opportunity to secure an outright victory and book a place in the semifinals.