Ranji Trophy 2025–26:J&K bowlers rattle Rajasthan, hosts steady at 66/2 at stumps on Day 1

Srinagar, Oct 25: Jammu and Kashmir produced a disciplined bowling performance to bundle out Rajasthan for 152 on the opening day of their second Ranji Trophy Elite Group fixture at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, Srinagar, on Saturday.

At stumps, the hosts were 66 for 2 in reply, trailing by 86 runs, with skipper Paras Dogra (19*) and Shubham Khajuria (16*) holding firm.

Electing to bowl first under bright conditions, J&K’s seamers justified Captain Dogra’s decision as they made early inroads into Rajasthan’s batting. Auqib Nabi led the attack with a probing 3/29 from 14 overs, while Sunil Kumar supported him with an equally impressive 4/32. Yudhvir Singh chipped in with 2 wickets, while Abid Mushtaq took one wicket as Rajasthan failed to build any major partnerships, their highest stand being just 41 runs.

Only skipper MK Lomror offered resistance for the visitors, remaining unbeaten on 37 off 76 deliveries with three boundaries. Useful contributions came from Kartik (32) and Deepak Chahar (23), but wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals as Rajasthan folded in 52.5 overs.

In reply, J&K openers Qamran Iqbal and Shubham Khajuria provided a steady start, adding 38 runs before Qamran edged off pacer AV Choudhary for 24. Yawer Hassan fell cheaply, leaving the hosts at 39 for 2.

However, Dogra and Khajuria ensured no further damage till the close, negotiating the evening session cautiously on a surface that continued to assist seamers.

For Rajasthan, Chahar and AV Choudhary picked a wicket each, while AM Singh and A Sharma bowled tidy spells.

With the pitch expected to ease out slightly on Day 2, J&K will look to build a first-innings lead and strengthen their position in what has already been a strong start to their second home fixture of the season.