Jammu & Kashmir completed a stunning turnaround in their Ranji Trophy clash against Hyderabad, securing a massive 281-run win on the final day in Jammu. The victory was defined by a brilliant second-innings century from Abdul Samad and a match-winning seven-wicket haul by all-rounder Abid Mushtaq.
The match began with Hyderabad winning the toss and opting to field. The decision initially looked sound as the Hyderabad bowlers, led by Kartikeya Kak (3 wickets) and Tanay Thyagarajan (3 wickets), bundled out the home side for just 170. J&K’s innings was rescued by a valuable counter-attacking 57 runs by Abid Mushtaq and a supporting 34 from Samad, providing a respectable, if modest, total.
J&K’s bowlers then put on a show in the first innings, utilizing the conditions masterfully. Pace sensation Auqib Nabi struck early to break the top order, setting the stage for left-arm pacer Sunil Kumar, who ripped through the middle and lower order to claim a crucial five-wicket haul (5/29). Hyderabad collapsed for only 121, handing J&K a vital 49-run first-innings lead that proved decisive.
With a slim advantage, the J&K batters took control in the second innings. Opener Qamran Iqbal (50) and Vivrant Sharma (45) laid a solid foundation, which was then exponentially built upon by Abdul Samad and wicket-keeper Kanhaiya Wadhwan. The pair forged a massive partnership, neutralizing the Hyderabad attack and shifting the momentum completely. Samad showcased his flair and temperament, converting his overnight score into a magnificent 125 runs (off 200 balls). Wadhwan, equally impressive, was unlucky to fall just five runs short of his century, dismissed for a superb 95. Their efforts propelled J&K to a formidable total of 422, setting Hyderabad an imposing target of 472 for an improbable victory.
Facing the immense chase, the Hyderabad batting line-up succumbed to the wear and tear of the pitch and the relentless pressure from the J&K spin department. The destructive left-arm spin of Abid Mushtaq proved too hot to handle. Mushtaq exploited the conditions to perfection, bowling through the line-up and finishing with a stunning seven wickets for 68 runs in the second innings. With minimal resistance from the Hyderabad batters, they were dismissed for 190, cementing a dominant 281 run victory for Jammu & Kashmir.
This emphatic win underscores J&K’s competitive strength in the Ranji Trophy, with their players stepping up at crucial junctures with both bat and ball.