Indore

Powered by a sensational bowling display from pacer Auqib Nabi, Jammu & Kashmir scripted history by reaching the Ranji Trophy semifinals for the first time, registering a 56-run victory over former champions Madhya Pradesh on Monday.

The 29-year-old fast bowler delivered a career-best performance, claiming 12 wickets in the match, as J&K advanced to the last four stage of the tournament for the first time since their debut 67 years ago.

Chasing a target of 291, Madhya Pradesh, champions of the 2021-22 season, were bowled out for 234, sealing a memorable win for the northern side. Jammu & Kashmir will now face the winner of the quarterfinal between Andhra and Bengal, while the other semifinal will be contested between Uttarakhand and Karnataka.

J&K had last reached the Ranji knockout stage six years ago.

Auqib was once again the chief architect of Madhya Pradesh’s downfall, adding figures of 5 for 70 to his first-innings haul of 7 for 40 to finish with match figures of 12 for 110. His consistent match-winning performances throughout the season have strengthened his case for national selection.

Madhya Pradesh resumed the final day at 84 for 5, already under pressure after Auqib’s burst of 3 for 23 late on Saturday. The pacer struck early on Monday, removing Ramveer Gurjar (11), before ending the resistance offered by Saransh Jain, who scored a determined 64 off 81 balls.

India all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer was the first wicket to fall on the day, departing at 104, with MP adding just 20 runs to their overnight total. Jain attempted to keep the contest alive with partnerships alongside Shubham Sharma (32) and Gurjar, but once he fell, the chase unravelled quickly.

Tailender Aryan Pandey’s 22 was the final contribution before MP were dismissed.

Left-arm spinner Abid Mushtaq also played a vital supporting role for Jammu & Kashmir, picking up three wickets for 49 runs.

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Brief scores:
Jammu & Kashmir 194 & 248 all out (70.3 overs);
Madhya Pradesh 152 & 234 all out (68.3 overs)
(Shubham Sharma 32, Saransh Jain 64; Auqib Nabi 5/70, Abid Mushtaq 3/49).