Srinagar, Oct 4: Rest of India clinched the Irani Cup title 2026 in emphatic fashion, defeating Jammu and Kashmir by 167 runs after bowling the hosts out for just 111 in their second innings at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium here on Sunday.
Chasing 279 runs for victory, J&K never managed to settle against a relentless Rest of India pace attack, with Mukesh Kumar producing a devastating spell to finish with a six-wicket haul.
Mukesh found his rhythm with both pace and swing and repeatedly troubled the J&K batters, while Akash Deep used his pace and aggression to ensure the hosts were never allowed to build a substantial partnership.
The turning point came when Mukesh removed J&K skipper Paras Dogra, who had played a crucial 75 in the first innings. His dismissal further exposed the J&K batting lineup and strengthened Rest of India’s grip on the contest.
Shubham Khajuria attempted to consolidate the innings and offered some resistance, but he too could not withstand the sustained pressure from the Rest of India quicks.
Abdul Samad, who had contributed a valuable 57 in J&K’s first innings, was also unable to repeat his effort in the chase and departed for 20.
Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals as J&K’s chase lost momentum. The hosts were eventually dismissed for 111, falling well short of the target.
Mukesh Kumar was the standout bowler, claiming six wickets with a combination of movement through the air and disciplined pace. His spell ensured that the J&K batters were under pressure from the outset.
The victory capped a dominant performance by Rest of India, who had been put under pressure after J&K secured a 41-run first-innings lead, but fought back strongly in the second innings before completing a convincing victory.
For J&K, the defeat ended their challenge in the Irani Cup despite fighting performances from Paras Dogra, Abdul Samad and Lone Nasir in the first innings. Rest of India won the Irani Cup by 167 runs.
