Ranji Trophy 2025–26 | J&K Vs Rajasthan: J&K eyes early finish after two-day dominance

Srinagar, Oct 26: Jammu and Kashmir are on the verge of wrapping up their Ranji Trophy clash against Rajasthan after two days of commanding all-round dominance at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, Srinagar, on Sunday. Riding on Auqib Nabi’s brilliant half-century and a fiery five-wicket burst, J&K ended Day 2 firmly in control, leaving Rajasthan tottering at 41 for 5 in their second innings, still 89 runs adrift.

After guiding J&K to a strong first-innings total of 282 with a crucial half-century, Auqib returned with the ball to rip through Rajasthan’s top order, claiming a fiery five-wicket haul to leave the visitors reeling at 41 for 5 in their second innings, still trailing by 89 runs.

Resuming the day on 66 for 2, J&K lost early wickets in the morning session, but middle-order duo Abdul Samad (76 off 118) and Yudhvir Singh (53 off 37) counter-attacked brilliantly to turn the tide. The pair shared an 88-run stand that lifted the innings from 81 for 5 to a strong position before Auqib Nabi added the finishing touches with a quickfire 55 off 65 balls.

For Rajasthan, Deepak Chahar was the standout bowler, finishing with 4 for 39, while A V Choudhary (3/65) and A Sharma (3/69) chipped in with key wickets. However, their efforts weren’t enough to contain J&K’s momentum as the hosts gained a first-innings lead of 130 runs.

In reply, Rajasthan’s top order crumbled under relentless pressure from Auqib, who struck in his very first spell. The right-arm seamer dismissed Sumit Godara, M Lomror, Abhijeet Tomar, A M Singh, and M Choudhary to record figures of 6-2-5-5, a devastating burst that showcased his rhythm and control.

At stumps, Deepak Hooda (17)* and Kartik (1)* were at the crease, tasked with an uphill battle to save the match on Day 3.

With Rajasthan still 89 runs behind and only five wickets in hand, the match looks firmly tilted in J&K’s favour. The morning session on Day 3 will be crucial, both for Rajasthan’s hopes of resistance and for J&K’s bid to seal an emphatic win at home.