RANJI TROPHY SEMI-FINAL 2025-26: Samad, Dogra revive J&K after Auqib’s bowling heroics on Day 2
Srinagar, Feb 16: Pace spearhead Auqib Nabi produced a sensational five-wicket haul before Abdul Samad and Paras Dogra led a spirited recovery as Jammu and Kashmir ended Day 2 at 198 for 5, trailing by 130 runs in the Ranji Trophy semi-final at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground on Monday.
Resuming the day with overnight centurion Sudip Kumar Gharami at the crease, Bengal hoped to stretch their advantage further, but J&K struck early to wrap up the innings.
Gharami, who had anchored Bengal with a superb knock, failed to add much to his overnight score and was trapped leg-before by Auqib Nabi for a well-compiled 146, bringing an end to his marathon innings.
Lower-order batter Sumanta Gupta attempted to challenge J&K bowlers with a counter-attacking 39-run knock, but he eventually became the last man to fall, as Bengal were bowled out for 328 in 97.1 overs.
Auqib Nabi was the standout performer with the ball, finishing with an impressive 5-wicket haul, while his pace partner Sunil Kumar provided excellent support by claiming three wickets, ensuring J&K restricted Bengal from posting an even bigger total.
In reply, Jammu and Kashmir endured a disastrous start as their top order crumbled once again under pressure. The visitors slumped to 13 for 3, with Shubham Khajuria, Yawer Hassan, and Shubham Singh Pundir departing cheaply, leaving the team in deep trouble.
At that critical juncture, skipper Paras Dogra and Abdul Samad staged a remarkable fightback, stitching together a vital 143-run partnership that revived J&K’s hopes in the contest.
Dogra led from the front with a composed 58-run knock, showing patience and experience, while Abdul Samad played positively for his 82, combining solid defence with attacking stroke play.
However, Bengal struck back by removing both set batters in quick succession to halt J&K’s momentum.
At stumps, J&K were 198 for 5 in 51 overs, with Kanhaiya Wadhawan unbeaten on 10 and Abid Mushtaq on 26, holding fort at the crease.
With five wickets still in hand, J&K will look to erase the deficit quickly on Day 3 and push for a first-innings lead, while Bengal bowlers will aim to wrap up the tail early and regain control of the historic semi-final.
