Jammu and Kashmir made history by reaching the Ranji Trophy finals for the first time in their 67-year history, defeating two-time former champions Bengal by six wickets on the fourth day of the semi-final in West Bengal. An Akashvani Jammu correspondent reports that after the home side set a below-par target of 126, they chased it down in 34.4 overs, with Vanshaj Sharma (43 not out) and Abdul Samad (30 not out) guiding them to victory. This came after pace spearhead Auqib Nabi had wreaked havoc by taking nine wickets in the match, effectively eliminating the host side's chances. J&K first participated in the Ranji Trophy in the 1959-60 season and had not been considered a contender until now. During the 2013-14 season, they qualified for the knockouts for the first time in over a decade. At the close of play on Tuesday, J&K were 43/2, and they lost overnight batter Shubham Pundir (27) and captain Paras Dogra (9) early on the fourth day. However, Vanshaj and Samad put on a 55-run partnership to secure a historic victory. Brief scores: Bengal: 328 and 99 in 25.1 overs. Jammu and Kashmir: 302 and 126 for 4 in 34.4 overs. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha congratulated the J&K cricket team for their remarkable victory in the Ranji Trophy semi-final, which secured them a historic place in the final. In a post on X, the Office of the LG praised the team's performance and described the achievement as a milestone in the region's sporting journey. "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 post read. The LG further stated that the entire Union Territory takes pride in the team's exceptional performance and expressed hope that the players would maintain their winning momentum in the final to bring further glory to J&K. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also congratulated the J&K cricket team for its remarkable achievement in the Ranji Trophy, praising the players, coaches, and support staff for their collective effort and dedication. The CM extended congratulations on behalf of the people of J&K and expressed confidence that the region's cricketers will soon make a mark at the international level.