Jammu and Kashmir Take Lead in Ranji Trophy Quarterfinal

On Day 2 of the Ranji Trophy Elite quarterfinal at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, Jammu and Kashmir showcased a dominant performance against Madhya Pradesh. Pacer Auqib Nabi delivered a sensational seven-wicket haul, propelling his team to a crucial first-innings lead in the high-stakes knockout clash.

Madhya Pradesh, in response to J&K’s total of 194, could only manage 152 runs in their first innings. Auqib’s exceptional bowling figures of 7 for 40 dismantled the MP batting lineup, preventing any significant recovery by the hosts.

Yash Dubey was the top-scorer for MP with 58 runs, while Venkatesh Iyer contributed 22. Despite their efforts, Auqib’s consistent breakthroughs restricted MP from gaining control, with Sunil Kumar also chipping in with three important wickets.

With a 42-run lead in hand, Jammu and Kashmir aimed to solidify their position in the match. However, their batting woes resurfaced in the second innings as they struggled against the disciplined MP bowling attack. At stumps, J&K found themselves at 84 for 5, with Shubham Khajuria, Yawer Hassan, Shubham Singh Pundir, and skipper P K Dogra failing to make significant contributions. Abdul Samad’s brisk 32 provided some hope, but J&K’s hopes of extending the lead were dented upon his dismissal.

Heading into Day 3, Kanhaiya Wadhawan and Abid Mushtaq held the fort for J&K, with an overall lead of 126 runs. Despite their advantage, the game remains delicately poised due to J&K’s repeated batting collapses.

Madhya Pradesh’s bowlers, led by Kuldeep Sen and Venkatesh Iyer, maintained pressure on the visitors, preventing them from running away with the game despite Auqib Nabi’s heroics earlier in the day.