Kalyani (WB): Jammu and Kashmir secured a historic maiden berth in the Ranji Trophy final on Wednesday, completing a remarkable six-wicket victory over two-time champions Bengal to prolong their fairy-tale domestic season.

Nearly seven decades after their first appearance in the tournament, the side once dismissed as "perennial underachievers" dismantled a star-studded Bengal lineup. The victory was anchored by seamer Auqib Nabi’s dominant nine-wicket match haul and a fearless finishing act by IPL standout Abdul Samad.

Chasing a target of 126 at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground, J&K relied on an unbeaten 55-run fourth-wicket partnership to cross the finish line on the penultimate day. Samad struck a brisk 30 not out off 27 deliveries, while 22-year-old rookie Vanshaj Sharma remained composed with a crucial 43 not out. In a final flourish, Vanshaj hammered international pacer Mukesh Kumar over long-on for six to ignite celebrations in the visiting dugout.

From Outsiders to Finalists

The achievement marks a seismic shift for a team that had won only 45 of its 334 matches prior to this season. Having waited 44 years just to record their first win in 1983, J&K’s path to the summit has been paved with recent milestones:

  • 2013-14: Reached the quarterfinals for the first time.
  • 2015-16: Recorded a landmark win over powerhouse Mumbai.
  • Current Season: Under coach Ajay Sharma and captain Paras Dogra, the team overcame an opening loss to Mumbai to defeat Delhi, Hyderabad, and Rajasthan, eventually edging Madhya Pradesh in a tense quarterfinal.

Bengal’s Star Power Fails to Deliver

Despite a formidable roster featuring India internationals Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, and Shahbaz Ahmed, Bengal faltered under pressure. The home side was bundled out for a meagre 99 in their second innings on Tuesday, leaving J&K with a modest chase.

Bengal briefly harboured hopes of a comeback on Wednesday morning after Akash Deep (3/46) dismissed Shubham Pundir and captain Dogra early. However, Samad’s aggressive counterattack, highlighted by an 18-run over against Akash Deep, shifted the momentum decisively.

Nabi’s Dominance and Dogra’s Milestone

Auqib Nabi, named man-of-the-match, has emerged as the season’s breakout star. The 29-year-old followed a 12-wicket performance in the quarterfinals with nine against Bengal, bringing his season tally to 55 wickets at an average under 13.

"Last time we missed it in the quarters, but we did all the hard work, and we deserved it," Nabi said following the win.

The week also belonged to 41-year-old captain Paras Dogra. During the first innings, the veteran became only the second player in history, after Wasim Jaffer, to surpass 10,000 runs in the Ranji Trophy. Dogra’s gritty 58 and his 143-run stand with Samad (82) proved vital in keeping J&K competitive after an early collapse.

"It's a big achievement, never thought about it," Dogra remarked on his milestone. "The game makes you a strong human being."

With inputs from PTI