Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26: J&K hold nerve to defeat Madhya Pradesh by 13 runs in thriller

Srinagar, Dec 8: Jammu & Kashmir held their composure in a tense, low-scoring contest to stun Madhya Pradesh by 13 runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Elite Group match on Monday. After posting a modest 150/9, it was J&K’s bowlers, led by a brilliant all-round performance from Auqib Nabi and a fiery spell by Nasir Lone, that engineered a memorable victory at Eden Gardens.

Top Order Falters Again

J&K’s batting once again lacked discipline, with most top-order players guilty of poor shot selection. The side struggled to build momentum early on, with batters repeatedly committing to rash strokes against disciplined MP bowling.

Vivrant Sharma’s lean patch continued as he departed for just 2. Kawal Preet Singh, promoted to No. 3 and given ample time to build an innings, failed to capitalise and returned with only 13 runs. Nasir Lone also squandered a valuable opportunity, despite spending considerable time at the crease, he managed just 14 runs before gifting his wicket away.

Abdul Samad attempted to revive the innings with a promising 27 off 24 balls but fell while trying to force a shot that could have been comfortably placed into the gaps. It was Auqib Nabi who injected life into J&K’s innings, smashing 32 off 21 balls with confidence and control. Yudhvir Singh added a crucial late cameo of 18, helping J&K to a fighting total of 150/9.

“J&K batters seemed in a hurry, specially the top order. They never let the ball come onto the bat and went after good deliveries, throwing away their wickets,” said Shabir Ahmad, a keen cricketer and observant follower of the game, while speaking to Greater Kashmir.

Bowlers Script a Stunning Comeback

If the batting disappointed, J&K’s bowlers delivered with remarkable performance. Continuing his impressive form, Auqib Nabi struck in his very first over, rattling MP’s chase early. He returned in his second over to deliver another crucial blow.

Nasir Lone bowled a sensational spell, tightening the screws on MP’s scoring rate. He dismissed in-form batter Harpreet Singh Bhatia for 32 with a well-directed delivery and then pulled off a spectacular flying caught-and-bowled effort to remove MP skipper Rajat Patidar for just 2. Lone finished with an exceptional 4-over spell, conceding only 14 runs and taking two wickets.

In the 14th over, skipper Shubham Khajuria brought on Yudhvir Singh, and the pacer immediately struck, removing set batter Harsh Gawali for 33 at long-on. Yudhvir delivered again in the 16th over, dismissing Aniket Verma, though he endured some misfortune with a few edges racing away to the boundary. He ended with figures of 2/34.

Drama unfolded when Sunil Kumar dismissed Venkatesh Iyer with what appeared on replay to be a clear catch, but the umpires ruled it a bump ball. Undeterred, Sunil struck later in the over to send back Mohd Arshad Khan.

J&K tightened their grip in the 19th over when Auqib Nabi returned for his final burst, claiming his third wicket with a well-judged running catch by Vivrant Sharma. Auqib finished with brilliant figures of 3/19 in 4 overs.

Sunil Kumar Delivers the Final Blow

With 20 runs needed off the final over and the dangerous Venkatesh Iyer at the crease, Sunil Kumar was tasked with sealing the contest. He held his nerve, cleaning up Iyer with a slower dipping yorker on the second ball of the over. He wrapped up MP’s innings for 137, finishing with 3/32 and ensuring a spirited J&K victory.

A Victory Rooted in Discipline

J&K’s bowlers turned what looked like a difficult defense into a statement win, overshadowing the batting unit’s struggles and lifting the team to an inspiring 13-run win.

Auqib Nabi, for his superb all-round contribution, 32 crucial runs and 3 wickets, was named Man of the Match.