The bengal vs jammu and kashmir Ranji Trophy semi-final delivered a dramatic third day packed with pace bowling brilliance, batting collapses, and a historic opportunity for Jammu & Kashmir. While Mohammed Shami produced a sensational eight-wicket performance to keep Bengal alive, it was Auqib Nabi who ultimately tilted the balance in favour of Jammu & Kashmir, leaving them just 83 runs away from a maiden Ranji Trophy final.
Seventeen wickets tumbled on Day Three at Kalyani, and remarkably, every single one was claimed by fast bowlers. By stumps, Jammu & Kashmir were 43 for 2, chasing a modest 126-run target, with history firmly within reach.
Match Summary: Bengal vs Jammu and Kashmir
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Total/Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bengal | 328 | 99 | — |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 302 | 43/2 | Need 83 more runs |
Shami’s Heroics Keep Bengal Competitive
When the day began, Jammu & Kashmir were 198 for 5 in their first innings, still trailing Bengal’s first-innings total of 328. Bengal needed early breakthroughs, and they found their hero in Mohammed Shami.
Shami delivered one of the finest spells of his first-class career, finishing with career-best figures of 8 for 90. He dismissed all the remaining J&K batters, preventing what could have been a more damaging lower-order partnership.
Mohammed Shami’s Bowling Figures
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Shami | — | 90 | 8 |
Despite Shami’s relentless pace and accuracy, Jammu & Kashmir managed to push their total to 302, reducing the deficit to just 26 runs. Auqib Nabi contributed a valuable 42 runs, while Abdul Samad top-scored with an aggressive 82.
A crucial 64-run burst from the lower order helped J&K chip away at Bengal’s advantage, ensuring the match remained finely balanced heading into the second innings.
Auqib Nabi Turns the Game on Its Head
If Shami was Bengal’s hero in the first innings, Auqib Nabi returned the favour for Jammu & Kashmir in the second.
Bengal’s second innings never truly took off. Early strikes from Nabi dismantled the top order, reducing Bengal to 19 for 4 in a matter of overs. The pressure mounted rapidly as Bengal’s batters struggled to cope with disciplined seam bowling.
Shahbaz Ahmed attempted to counterattack with a brisk 24, injecting brief hope into Bengal’s innings. However, Nabi and Sunil Kumar combined to shut down any chances of a meaningful recovery.
Bengal Second Innings Collapse
| Bowler | Runs Conceded | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Auqib Nabi | 36 | 4 |
| Sunil Kumar | 27 | 4 |
Bengal were bundled out for just 99, setting Jammu & Kashmir a manageable target of 126. Nabi finished with match figures of 9 wickets, adding to his impressive five-wicket haul in the first innings.
The bengal vs jammu and kashmir semi-final had completely shifted momentum.
J&K’s Chase: Early Nerves but Calm Recovery
Chasing 126 for a place in their first-ever Ranji Trophy final, Jammu & Kashmir did not have a flawless start.
Akash Deep struck twice early, removing both openers and reducing J&K to 12 for 2. Suddenly, Bengal sensed an opening.
Jammu & Kashmir Second Innings (At Stumps Day 3)
| Batter | Runs | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Shubham Pundir | 23 | Not Out |
| Vanshaj Sharma | 9 | Not Out |
With composure under pressure, Shubham Pundir (23*) and promoted batter Vanshaj Sharma (9*) steadied the innings. By the end of Day Three, J&K had reached 43 for 2, needing just 83 more runs to script history.
The tension heading into Day Four promises to be immense, but the advantage clearly lies with Jammu & Kashmir.
Key Moments from Day Three
- Mohammed Shami’s career-best 8 for 90.
- Auqib Nabi’s 4 for 36 in the second innings.
- Bengal’s dramatic collapse to 99.
- Early double strike from Akash Deep in J&K’s chase.
- Pundir and Vanshaj guiding J&K safely to stumps.
The bengal vs jammu and kashmir clash has been defined by fast bowling dominance and momentum swings.
Karnataka vs Uttarakhand: A Run-Fest in Lucknow
While the semi-final between Bengal and Jammu & Kashmir produced a bowler-dominated spectacle, the other Ranji Trophy semi-final between Karnataka and Uttarakhand unfolded as a batting marathon.
Karnataka piled up a massive 736 in their first innings — their second-highest total in first-class cricket.
Karnataka First Innings: 736 All Out
| Batter | Runs |
|---|---|
| Devdutt Padikkal | 232 |
| KL Rahul | 141 |
| R Smaran | 135 |
| Vidyadhar Patil | 54 |
Devdutt Padikkal led the charge with a magnificent 232, while KL Rahul and R Smaran added substantial centuries. The innings was built on long partnerships and disciplined shot selection.
Smaran resumed Day Three on 121 but was dismissed for 135 after charging down the pitch to left-arm spinner Mayank Mishra and getting stumped.
Vidyadhar Patil registered his maiden first-class half-century, contributing 54 in a crucial seventh-wicket partnership worth 109 runs with Smaran.
Uttarakhand’s Tough Reply
In response to Karnataka’s mammoth total, Uttarakhand struggled early but managed to avoid a complete collapse.
Uttarakhand at Stumps (Day 3)
| Score | Trail |
|---|---|
| 149/5 | 587 runs behind |
Lakshya Raichandani remained unbeaten on 52, showing resilience amidst falling wickets. The highest partnership of their innings so far has been 43 runs for the fifth wicket.
Also read: Karnataka vs Punjab Ranji Trophy: Hosts Hold Upper Hand as Karnataka Trail by 54 Runs on Day 2
Karnataka Bowlers’ Impact
| Bowler | Wickets |
|---|---|
| Vidyadhar Patil | 2 |
| Vijaykumar Vyshak | 1 |
| Shreyas Gopal | 1 |
Patil carried forward his batting momentum into bowling, dismissing both openers early and giving Karnataka immediate control.
What Lies Ahead in Bengal vs Jammu and Kashmir?
The spotlight, however, remains firmly on the bengal vs jammu and kashmir semi-final.
Jammu & Kashmir stand just 83 runs away from a historic achievement — their first appearance in a Ranji Trophy final. Their bowlers, led by Auqib Nabi, have delivered under pressure, and the target appears within reach.
Bengal, though, cannot be ruled out. With Mohammed Shami in rhythm and conditions still assisting seamers, early wickets on Day Four could change the narrative once again.
The contest has showcased everything that makes first-class cricket compelling — pace, pressure, collapses, resilience, and individual brilliance.
If J&K manage to chase down the remaining runs, it will mark a landmark moment in their domestic cricket history. If Bengal fight back, it will be remembered as one of the most dramatic turnarounds in recent Ranji semi-final history.
Either way, the bengal vs jammu and kashmir showdown has already delivered a gripping chapter in India’s premier domestic tournament.
Day Four now carries the weight of history.
