J&K Makes History, Defeats Delhi in Ranji Trophy
In a momentous achievement for Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) cricket, the team secured its first-ever victory against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy, a feat that has eluded them for 65 years. The match, held at the historic Feroz Shah Kotla ground, saw J&K chase down a target of 179 runs with ease, thanks to the brilliant performance of opening batter Qamran Iqbal, who scored an unbeaten 133 runs.
The victory is not just a milestone for J&K but also a reflection of their growing status in Indian domestic cricket. J&K dominated the match from the outset, showcasing a well-rounded team performance that left Delhi struggling to keep pace. This win adds six points to J&K's tally, bringing them closer to the quarterfinals for the second consecutive year, while Delhi languishes at the bottom of their group with no wins so far this season.
Qamran Iqbal's innings was the highlight, as he made the chase look effortless, scoring quickly and effectively to guide J&K to a memorable victory within the first session of the final day. His captain, Paras Dogra, expressed pride in the team's ability to win away from home, emphasizing their newfound confidence. “To beat Delhi in Delhi shows we can win everywhere,” he stated.
Delhi's performance, on the other hand, was lackluster, with their bowling attack appearing disjointed and unfit for the demands of the match. In contrast, J&K’s bowlers, led by Auqib Nabi, who took five wickets in the first innings, displayed resilience and skill. Alongside him, experienced players like Dogra and promising talents such as Abdul Samad and Vanshaj Sharma contributed significantly to the win.
J&K's coach, Ajay Sharma, noted the importance of this victory, especially given his own history with Delhi cricket. He remarked, “No team can be confident about preparing a pitch against us. We have shown we can win on any surface.” His leadership has been pivotal in nurturing local talent and building a competitive team.
The victory against Delhi is just one of many milestones for J&K, who have also won matches against other established teams this year, including in Mumbai and Baroda. This trend of success is inspiring the players, as they aspire to continue their winning streak and aim for the Ranji Trophy title. With their current form and confidence, J&K cricket is on an upward trajectory, promising exciting times ahead for their fans.
