Jammu, February 18 – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team on reaching their first-ever Ranji Trophy final, 16 years after their debut in the premier domestic tournament.
Jammu and Kashmir stormed into their first-ever Ranji Trophy final with a six-wicket victory over Bengal on the fourth day of their semi-final at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground on Wednesday. All-rounder Auqib Nabi once again shone, taking four wickets alongside Sunil Kumar as Bengal were bowled out for 99 in their second innings on the third day, tilting the match in favour of J&K.
Chasing a target of 126, J&K achieved it in 34.4 overs, with Vanshaj Sharma and Abdul Samad scoring unbeaten 43 and 30 respectively.
"This is a success for the entire team, along with the support staff. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of them on my behalf and on behalf of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. I hope that the day will come when we see players from Jammu and Kashmir playing a very important role in the national team," Abdullah told reporters on Wednesday.
"This landmark achievement reflects the team's determination, discipline, and the rising sporting culture in Jammu and Kashmir," he also posted on X.
The Chief Minister also congratulated captain Paras Dogra for becoming the second player in the Indian domestic circuit to score over 10,000 runs in the Ranji Trophy, and Auqib Nabi for his nine-wicket haul in the semi-final, taking his season's tally to 55 wickets from 16 innings.
J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha also hailed the team's achievement, posting on X: "Congratulations to the J&K cricket team on their magnificent victory in the Ranji Trophy semi-final! You have etched a new golden chapter in the sporting history of J&K. The entire UT is proud of your extraordinary performance. May you continue this winning momentum and bring glory to J&K," the L-G said.