RANJI TROPHY 2025-26: Qamran Iqbal steers J&K to historic win over Delhi
Srinagar, Nov 11: Jammu and Kashmir created history at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday, defeating Delhi by seven wickets in a Ranji Trophy Elite Group encounter, their first-ever outright win over the traditional powerhouse at its home turf.
The victory was built on a series of commanding performances spread across four gripping days, disciplined bowling, determined batting, and a match-winning century from young opener Qamran Iqbal, whose unbeaten 133 sealed J&K’s place among the season’s standout sides.
Day 1: Auqib, Mushtaq, Sharma lead disciplined bowling effort
J&K began their campaign with intent after skipper PK Dogra elected to bowl first. The pacer Auqib Nabi made early inroads, reducing Delhi to 14/3 before lunch.
Delhi’s middle order attempted a recovery, but J&K bowlers applied the squeeze. Auqib’s swing wrapped up the innings at 211.
Auqib finished with 5/35, and Abid Mushtaq and Vanshaj Sharma chipped in with two wickets each, giving J&K the early upper hand.
Day 2: Dogra and Samad lift J&K to strong position
J&K’s top order faced a stern test against Delhi’s new-ball attack, slipping to 46/4 by mid-morning. However, skipper P K Dogra led from the front, crafting a fluent century under pressure.
Dogra’s 106 off 183 deliveries included 11 fours and a six, while Abdul Samad counter-attacked with a blazing 85 off 115 balls, mixing aggression with controlled stroke play.
Their 141-run partnership on the fifth wicket turned the momentum firmly in J&K’s favour. Lower-order contributions helped J&K post 310, securing a crucial 99-run lead before stumps on Day 2.
Day 3: Spinners tighten the noose as Delhi falter again
Delhi began their second innings with more resolve but soon found themselves under sustained pressure. Sahil Lotra and Vanshaj Sharma shared duties effectively, keeping the scoring in check.
Mushtaq dismissed Dhull for 34, while Lotra and Sharma combined again to break the middle order. Despite a fighting 72 from Ayush Badoni, Delhi were bowled out for 277, setting J&K a target of 179 for victory.
Lotra returned with 3/73, Mushtaq took 1/48, and Sharma picked up 6/68, rounding off another collective bowling effort that showcased J&K’s growing maturity as a red-ball side.
Day 4: Qamran Iqbal’s masterclass seals historic win
Chasing 179 on the final day, J&K openers Shubham Khajuria and Qamran Iqbal started positively, adding 32 for the first wicket. Khajuria fell for 8, but Qamran stood firm, dictating terms with his timing and shot selection.
He raced to his century in just 147 balls, blending elegance with authority. Vanshaj Sharma (8) of 60 balls provided steady support, while Dogra (10 not out) guided the side home.
Qamran’s unbeaten 133 off 147 balls, featuring 20 fours and 3 sixes, will be remembered as one of the finest knocks in J&K’s first-class history, a statement innings that symbolised self-belief and calm under pressure.
J&K reached 179/3 in 43.3 overs, sealing a seven-wicket win and scripting a moment that will echo in J&K’s cricketing narrative.
The victory achieved against a strong Delhi lineup at their home ground has been hailed as a watershed moment for J&K cricket.
“Outstanding performance defeating Delhi in Delhi with so much comfort and ease. J&K outplayed Delhi in all departments and dominated the game from ball one. Kudos to all champion players, and especially happy for the spinners and Qamran Iqbal, who have finally turned up and delivered for their team,” former J&K skipper and seasoned pacer Samiullah Beigh said, praising the team’s all-round effort.
Score Summary
Delhi: 211 & 277
J&K: 310 & 179/3 (43.3 ov)
Result: J&K won by 7 wickets
J&K Top Performers: Qamran Iqbal 133* (147), PK Dogra 106, Abdul Samad 85, Auqib Nabi 5 wickets (match), Vanshaj Sharma 8 wickets (match)
