J&K cricket team reaches Ranji Trophy final after beating Bengal; LG Sinha & CM Omar shower praises

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 18 (STC): The Jammu and Kashmir cricket team created history when it defeated two-time former champions Bengal cricket team by six wickets on the fourth day of the semifinal of the Ranji Trophy today. With this win, J&K team reached the final for the first time in 67 years.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has congratulated the team for scripting this historical win. In a message, Sinha said, “Congratulations to J&K cricket team on their magnificent victory in Ranji Trophy semi-final! You have etched a new golden chapter in the sporting history of J&K. Entire UT is proud of your extraordinary performance. May you continue this winning momentum and bring glory to J&K.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also praised the team, saying the achievement reflected the collective effort of players and support staff.
“This success belongs to the entire team and their support staff. I congratulate the players and also on behalf people of Jammu and Kashmir on this historic accomplishment,” he said.
Notably, chasing a modest target of 126 set by the hosts Bengal, J&K completed the task in 34.4 overs. Vanshaj Sharma remained unbeaten on 43 while Abdul Samad contributed an unbeaten 30, the duo stitching together a decisive 55-run partnership to guide the side home.
Earlier, pace spearhead Auqib Nabi dismantled Bengal’s resistance with a nine-wicket match haul, putting J&K in command of the contest.
The victory marks a watershed moment for J&K cricket. Having first participated in the Ranji Trophy in the 1959-60 season, the team had long struggled to establish itself among the heavyweights of Indian domestic cricket. Their previous best came in the 2013-14 season when they reached the knockout stage after over a decade.
Brief scores: Bengal 328 and 99 in 25.1 overs. Jammu and Kashmir 302 and 126 for 4 in 34.4 overs.
(Straight Talk Communications)