Historic Victory: JK Cricket Team Triumphs Over Mumbai in Ranji Trophy
Srinagar, January 25, 2025 – The Jammu and Kashmir (JK) cricket team has etched its name in the annals of cricketing history with a stunning victory over the star-studded Mumbai team in the Ranji Trophy. This monumental win marks a defining moment in J&K’s cricketing legacy, showcasing the team’s dedication and brilliance.
The match, held at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy in Mumbai, saw JK chase down a target of 205 runs with five wickets in hand. Opener Shubham Khajuria laid a solid foundation with his 45-run knock, followed by Vivrant Sharma’s 38. The match was sealed by Abid Mushtaq’s quickfire 32 and Kanhaiya Wadhawan’s steady 19 not out.
Mumbai, led by the legendary Rohit Sharma, put up a fight with Shardul Thakur’s valiant century. However, JK’s pacers Yudhvir Singh, Umar Nazir Mir, and Auqib Nabi were instrumental in dismantling Mumbai’s lineup, taking 19 out of the 20 wickets.
This victory is particularly significant as it marks JK’s second win over Mumbai on their home turf, a feat last achieved a decade ago. The team’s resilience and determination have been lauded by fans and officials alike.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended his congratulations to the team, acknowledging the significant achievement and expressing pride in their performance. The JK Cricket Association is urged to recognize this monumental achievement and announce accolades to honor the players’ dedication and brilliance.
The JK Cricket Team’s historic win is a testament to their hard work and perseverance, and it serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers in the region. The future looks bright for J&K cricket, and this victory will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
Ranji Trophy Highlights: Results started rolling in on day three of the sixth round of the Ranji Trophy, headlined by Jammu and Kashmir beating Mumbai at the BKC Ground in a thrilling contest that saw Shardul Thakur star in a losing role. Elsewhere, Shubman Gill settled nerves by scoring a century and ensuring some performance of substance was provided by an Indian international. Karnataka trumped Punjab, Haryana beat Bengal, and Gujarat completed formalities vs Uttarakhand.
A pair of fine innings by Rajat Patidar and Venkatesh Iyer have set up what promises to be an enthralling final day in Madhya Pradesh’s last-ditch effort vs Kerala.
Day 3 of Ranji Trophy round 6 matches will once again bring attention towards the senior stars of Indian cricket who are taking part in the premier domestic tournament. The likes of Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer and Ajinkya Rahane failed to make an impact in defending champions Mumbai’s match against Jammu and Kashmir, but they still managed to find an unsung hero in Shardul Thakur to turn things around. Shardul, who has been out of the Indian Test set-up for almost a year, scored a valiant century batting down the order and helped Mumbai take a crucial 188-run lead. Thakur (113*) and Tanush Kotian (58*) put on a robust 173-run unbeaten stand for the eighth wicket to turn the tables on Jammu and Kashmir.
India Test skipper Rohit Sharma failed to convert the start in the second innings and was dismissed for 28 off 35 balls with two fours and three sixes, which was his highest first-class score since 52 in the second innings of the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand last October. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was the only Indian batter to get considerable runs against New Zealand and Australia, also endured a forgettable return to the Ranji Trophy as he fell for 4 and 26.
Meanwhile, veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja spun his web to dismantle Delhi’s batting line-up as Saurashtra registered a win within two days. In the Group D clash, Saurashtra secured an easy 10-wicket win over Delhi, with Jadeja taking 5/66 in the first innings and 7/38 in the second innings. Star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant failed to fire for Delhi on Ranji’s return, managing scores of 1 and 17 in both innings.
All eyes will be on Shubman Gill on day 3, when he will resume his overnight score of 7*. He will be up against Karnataka, who took a massive 420-run lead after the first innings. Karnataka’s Smaran Ravichandran scored a remarkable 203 in 277 balls, with 25 fours and three sixes. Meanwhile, Mayank Markande (3/53) and Jassinder Singh (3/66) were the bowlers picked for Punjab.
Punjab, who were bundled out for just 55 in the first innings, ended the day 2 at 24/2, with Gill unbeaten at 7*. They trailed by 396 runs after Karnataka had scored 475/10 in their first innings.
In the Group A clash between Maharashtra and Baroda, Maharashtra skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad (66* in 54 balls, with nine fours and two sixes) scored a quickfire fifty to help his team end day two at 123/2, with a lead of 275 runs. Earlier, Baroda had made 145 in their first innings in reply to Maharashtra’s first innings total of 297/10, which was powered by Saurabh Nawale (83 in 152 balls, with 12 fours).
