Bengal Cricket Team – News Analysis India https://newsanalysisindia.com The news you need to know, explained Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Historic Ranji Milestone: J&K Stuns Bengal in Semi-Final Thriller https://newsanalysisindia.com/sports/historic-ranji-milestone-jk-stuns-bengal-in-semi-final-thriller/ Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000 http://newsanalysisindia.local/historic-ranji-milestone-jk-stuns-bengal-in-semi-final-thriller/ Jammu and Kashmir cricket team has etched its name in the annals of Indian domestic cricket by clinching a remarkable 6-wicket victory over defending contenders Bengal in the Ranji Trophy semi-final. Played at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani on February 18, this win propels J&K into their maiden final, a dream come true for fans who have waited decades for such glory.

Set 126 to win, J&K lost 4 wickets but crossed the line thanks to an enterprising unbeaten stand of 55 between Vanshraj Sharma (43*) and Abdul Samad (30*). The chase, though tense, showcased the team’s resilience under pressure.

Recapping the match: J&K’s decision to field first after winning the toss unraveled Bengal’s batting. Despite Sudip Kumar’s heroic 146 and useful contributions from Abhimanyu Easwaran (49), Shahbaz Ahmed (42), and Sumanta Gupta (39), Bengal reached 328. Aquib Nabi’s 5-fer dismantled the innings, with Sunil Kumar (3), Yudhvir Singh (1), and Abid Mushtaq (1) providing support.

J&K’s first innings reply yielded 302, led by Abdul Samad’s 82, Paras Dogra’s 58, Aquib Nabi’s 42, and Yudhvir’s 22. Bengal’s Mohammed Shami dominated with 8 wickets, Mukesh Kumar taking 2.

Bengal’s second innings imploded to 99 all out, handing J&K a 126-run chase. Nabi and Sunil Kumar’s 4-wicket spells each, plus Mushtaq’s 2, sealed the deal.

Player of the Match Aquib Nabi’s all-round brilliance (9 wickets, 42 runs) symbolizes J&K’s rise. As they prepare for the final, the nation watches this underdog story unfold.

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