RANJI TROPHY 2025-26: J&K recover through Auqib, Abid's brilliance

Srinagar, Nov 16: A spirited bowling display led by Auqib Nabi brought Jammu & Kashmir back into the contest after a disappointing effort with the bat, as Hyderabad ended Day 1 at 88/6, still 82 runs behind J&K’s first-innings total of 170 in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group clash at Jammu.

After J&K were bowled out in 47.1 overs, Hyderabad too faltered under incisive seam bowling, leaving the match finely balanced heading into Day 2.

J&K Bat First: Middle-Order Resists After Top-Order Collapse

Asked to bat first, J&K endured a horror start with the top order crumbling to 51/5 within the sixteen hours. Only Abid Mushtaq (57 off 49) and Sahil Lotra (36 off 73) displayed resilience, stitching together a crucial 47-run stand for the seventh wicket. Earlier, Abdul Samad contributed 34, counterattacking when wickets were tumbling around him.

The Hyderabad bowlers, especially Kartikeya Kak (3/48) and Tanay Thyagarajan (3/19), exploited the conditions superbly.

J&K’s innings ended at 170, a score that looked under par but became competitive due to what followed next.

 Hyderabad Crumble Under Auqib’s Fire: 88/6 at Stumps

J&K seamers came out with purpose, and none more so than Auqib Nabi, who delivered a sensational opening burst. He accounted for both openers, Tanmay Agarwal and Abhirath Reddy, before returning to remove Nitish Reddy, ending the day with outstanding figures of 3/30.

His disciplined lines, subtle swing, and relentless accuracy kept Hyderabad under pressure throughout. Senior pacer Umar Nazir could not fetch a wicket, while Sunil Kumar bowled a tight spell, dismissing Rahul Radesh.

The only resistance for Hyderabad came from Rahul Singh Gahlaut, who scored 48 off 84 before falling late in the day to Sunil Kumar.