Jammu and Kashmir scripted history by reaching their first-ever Ranji Trophy final, defeating two-time champions Bengal by six wickets in the 2025–26 semifinal at Kalyani on Wednesday.
Despite a legendary first-innings bowling performance by Mohammed Shami, Bengal collapsed dramatically in the second innings, leaving J&K a modest target of 126 runs to secure a historic victory.
Put in to bat first, Bengal were anchored by Sudip Gharami’s superb 146 off 246 balls, with Abhimanyu Easwaran adding 49. Auqib Nabi starred with the ball for J&K, returning figures of 5/87 as Bengal were bowled out for 328.
Shami then produced a sensational spell to dismantle the J&K top order, picking up 8/90, his career-best first-class figures, as J&K were dismissed for 302, giving Bengal a slender 26-run lead. However, momentum swung sharply on Day 3 as Auqib Nabi (4/36) and Sunil Kumar (4/27) ripped through Bengal’s batting, bowling them out for just 99 and setting J&K a target of 126.
In the chase, Akash Deep struck early to reduce J&K to 12/2, but Shubham Pundir (27) and Vanshaj Sharma (43*) steadied the innings and guided their side to a six-wicket win. J&K will now face Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy final from February 24 to 28.
Leaders React to J&K’s Historic Ranji Trophy Final Entry
Omar Abdullah Hails Team’s Determination and Rising Sporting Culture
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated the team and support staff, calling the achievement a milestone for the region’s sporting ecosystem.
“It is the success of the entire team, and along with the team, the support staff as well. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of them on behalf of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. I hope the day is not far when we will begin to see players from Jammu and Kashmir playing a very important role in the national team,” Abdullah said.
#WATCH | Jammu, J&K: CM Omar Abdullah says “No one wins the Ranji Trophy alone. This is the success of the entire team, and of the support staff as well. I congratulate them all on my behalf and on behalf of the entire people of Jammu and Kashmir. I hope the day is not far off… pic.twitter.com/I5l3IhJfRm
— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2026
He also described the feat as a reflection of the team’s determination, discipline and the growing sporting culture in the region in a post on X.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh calls it a historic moment
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh termed the achievement a historic moment for Indian domestic cricket and praised the team’s grit and discipline.
“Historic moment for Indian domestic cricket. Jammu and Kashmir have stormed into their maiden Ranji Trophy final after defeating Bengal in the semi-final — a massive achievement powered by grit, discipline and team brilliance,” Singh wrote on X, congratulating the team for inspiring a new generation of cricketers from the region.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh tweets, “Historic moment for Indian domestic cricket. Jammu and Kashmir have stormed into their maiden Ranji Trophy final after defeating Bengal in the semi-final — a massive achievement powered by grit, discipline and team brilliance. Heartiest… pic.twitter.com/CoCYzQFAHh
— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2026
BCCI President Mithun Manhas gets emotional over J&K’s rise
BCCI President Mithun Manhas admitted he felt emotional watching J&K reach the final, reflecting on the journey of cricket development in the region since 2021.
“It’s a very satisfying feeling because of the effort that has gone behind it. I would like to give credit to the BCCI and especially Jay Shah for believing in me and supporting the revival of J&K cricket,” Manhas told IANS.
He highlighted the struggles of the players and the lack of infrastructure, noting that the team’s rise despite not having a stadium in Jammu makes the achievement even more remarkable.
“It is hard to believe that we don’t have a stadium in Jammu and still we have managed to come this far. So, it’s a struggle of a million,” he added, congratulating players who have persevered despite limited facilities.
Manhas also stressed that success in the final could transform cricket in the region and thanked the BCCI for backing grassroots development initiatives.