SRINAGAR, OCT 4: Jammu & Kashmir’s spirited challenge in the Irani Trophy ended in a dramatic collapse as Rest of India unleashed a devastating pace assault to bowl the hosts out for 111, securing a comprehensive 167-run victory at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium and lifting the coveted trophy.
The final day had begun with J&K still harbouring hopes of forcing a result after Rest of India resumed its second innings at 306 for 8. But the visitors added only 13 runs to their overnight score before being dismissed for 319, setting J&K a demanding target of 279.
What followed was a spectacular exhibition of fast bowling.
J&K’s chase never gathered momentum as Mukesh Kumar tore through the batting order with a superb 6 for 33 from 10.4 overs. His disciplined spell, backed by sustained pressure from the other end, left J&K struggling to find scoring opportunities.
Akash Deep further tightened the grip with 3 for 25, while Mukesh Choudhary claimed the remaining wicket as the J&K innings folded inside the 279-run target.
The collapse was particularly striking considering J&K had posted 378 in their first innings, giving themselves a substantial advantage over RoI’s first-innings total of 237.
The difference ultimately came from Smaran Ravichandran, whose magnificent second-innings 135 off 153 balls transformed the contest in RoI’s favour.Ravichandran attacked with authority, striking 16 fours and five sixes during an innings that combined controlled aggression with remarkable consistency. His century provided RoI with the platform to stretch its lead and put J&K under severe scoreboard pressure.
Sanat Sangwan’s 55 provided valuable support, while Saransh Jain added 25 as RoI moved from a precarious position to a commanding total of 319 for eight.
RoI’s second innings proved decisive because the visitors converted a modest first-innings advantage into a substantial target through Ravichandran’s outstanding contribution.
J&K’s bowling unit had initially kept RoI under pressure. Umar Nazir Mir, Sahil Lotra and Sunil Kumar claimed three wickets apiece, while Lone Nasir Muzaffar took one wicket.
Earlier, J&K had restricted RoI to 237 in the first innings, with Sunil Kumar and Lone Nasir Lone returning three wickets each. However, the advantage created by the bowlers could not be fully capitalised upon by the batting unit in the final innings.
J&K’s first innings had produced several important contributions. Paras Dogra top-scored with 75, while Lone Nasir Muzaffar made 64 and Abdul Samad scored 57, helping J&K reach 378.
But when the match entered its decisive phase, the batting line-up found itself exposed against RoI’s high-quality pace attack.
In the chase, Shubham Khajuria scored 36 and Qamran Iqbal contributed 32, emerging as the only batters capable of offering meaningful resistance for extended periods.
Abdul Samad added 20, but once the top and middle order failed to establish partnerships, the pressure mounted rapidly.
The RoI bowlers exploited the situation ruthlessly, maintaining tight lines and repeatedly forcing J&K’s batters into defensive errors. Wickets fell at regular intervals, preventing any late recovery.
The match had appeared finely poised after J&K’s imposing first-innings 378 against RoI’s 237. J&K’s bowlers then kept the visitors within reach, raising hopes of a strong finish.
However, Ravichandran’s 135 changed the complexion of the contest.
His innings not only added crucial runs but also gave RoI the breathing space required to unleash its pace attack with a sizeable target behind it. Once J&K began its chase, Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep ensured there was no repeat of the resistance witnessed in the first innings.
The final margin of 167 runs underlined RoI’s dominance in the decisive phase of the match.
For J&K, the defeat will be a bitter conclusion to a campaign in which their bowling unit produced several impressive spells and their first innings yielded 378. For Rest of India, the victory was a comprehensive display of batting resilience and fast-bowling supremacy.
Brief Scores
Rest of India 1st innings — 237. Smaran Ravichandran 68, Shikhar Mohan 60.
J&K bowling: Sunil Kumar 3/36, Lone Nasir Lone 3/59.
J&K 1st innings — 378. Paras Dogra 75, Lone Nasir Muzaffar 64, Abdul Samad 57.
RoI bowling: Mukesh Choudhary 5/78, Akash Deep 3/43, Mukesh Kumar 2/84.
Rest of India 2nd innings — 319/8. Smaran Ravichandran 135, Sanat Sangwan 55, Saransh Jain 25, Mukesh Choudhary 11.
J&K bowling: Umar Nazir Mir 3, Sahil Lotra 3, Sunil Kumar 3, Lone Nasir Muzaffar 1.
J&K 2nd innings — 111 all out. Shubham Khajuria 36, Qamran Iqbal 32, Abdul Samad 20.
RoI bowling: Mukesh Kumar 6/33, Akash Deep 3/25, Mukesh Choudhary 1.
RESULT: Rest of India won by 167 runs and clinched the Irani Trophy.
