Ranji Trophy 2025–26 — Day 3: J&K eye famous win over Mumbai, first session of final day crucial

Srinagar, Oct 17: Jammu & Kashmir find themselves within touching distance of a memorable victory against Mumbai after a gripping Day 3 of their Ranji Trophy 2025–26 encounter at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, Srinagar, on Friday.

Set a target of 243, hosts JKCA team reached 21 for 1 at stumps, needing 222 runs on the final day with nine wickets in hand.

The day belonged largely to J&K’s bowling unit, led once again by their pace spearhead, Auqib Nabi. Continuing his fine form, Auqib produced another fiery spell to return with figures of 5 for 52 in 16 overs in Mumbai’s second innings, taking his match tally to seven wickets. He was ably supported by Abid Mushtaq (2/40), Umar Nazir (1/34), and Yudhvir Singh (2/30), as MCA team were bundled out for 181 in 56.5 overs.

Mumbai’s batting faltered under relentless pressure from J&K’s pace trio. Only Shams Mulani (41 off 108 balls) and Akash Anand (31 off 55) offered resistance, stitching together a 50-run stand for the sixth wicket. But once Auqib and Yudhvir broke through, the lower order crumbled quickly.

J&K’s chase began with early nerves as opener Shubham Khajuria fell for a duck to Tushar Deshpande in just the second over. However, Qamran Iqbal (11* off 22) and Musaif Ajaz (10* off 18) steadied the innings, taking the hosts to 21/1 at stumps.

With 222 runs needed and nine wickets in hand, the match is delicately poised. The opening session on Day 4 (final day) will be decisive, if J&K can avoid early collapses, they will back themselves to script a famous win at home against one of the strongest sides in domestic cricket.

“This is a big opportunity,” a local supporter said after the day’s play. “The bowlers have done their job brilliantly. Now it is up to the batters to stay calm and build partnerships.”

Mumbai, on the other hand, will look to strike early on the final morning with the new ball through experienced campaigners Shardul Thakur and Tushar Deshpande. An early flurry of wickets could turn the contest around.

With a target within reach but pressure mounting, an absorbing final day awaits at the Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium, one that could potentially mark a landmark win for J&K cricket.