The 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season continues to deliver unforgettable moments, and Day 4 of the semi-finals may well be remembered as one of the most dramatic and historic days in Indian domestic cricket. Two intense contests unfolded across different venues, each shaping the final picture of the tournament in contrasting ways.
While Jammu & Kashmir scripted a fairy-tale victory to enter their first-ever Ranji Trophy final, Karnataka continued their ruthless domination against Uttarakhand, piling on runs and crushing any hope of resistance. Together, these matches highlighted the beauty of red-ball cricket — grit, patience, brilliance, and history being made.
As the dust settles on the semi-final stage, the Ranji Trophy now stands on the brink of a blockbuster final, with J&K waiting and Karnataka seemingly marching toward them with unstoppable momentum.
Jammu & Kashmir Create History With Maiden Ranji Trophy Final Entry
In what will go down as a red-letter day in Jammu & Kashmir’s cricket history, the team defeated two-time champions Bengal by six wickets in the semi-final held at Kalyani. This win confirmed J&K’s first-ever spot in the Ranji Trophy final, marking a historic milestone after decades of participation.
The victory was built on a combination of fearless batting, disciplined bowling, and remarkable composure under pressure. For a side that has steadily grown in confidence throughout the season, this semi-final triumph felt like the perfect culmination of a dream campaign.
Sixty-seven years after their maiden Ranji appearance, Jammu & Kashmir have finally broken into the elite stage of Indian domestic cricket.
Abdul Samad And Auqib Nabi Shine In Semi-Final Triumph
Abdul Samad emerged as one of the biggest heroes of the match, scoring 82 in the first innings and an unbeaten 30 off just 27 balls in the chase. His aggressive strokeplay at crucial moments ensured Bengal never regained control of the contest.
Equally impactful was Auqib Nabi, whose match-haul of 9 for 123 proved decisive. His ability to strike at key intervals dismantled Bengal’s batting lineup and kept J&K firmly in command.
Alongside these stars, Vanshaj Sharma’s unbeaten 43 in the second innings played the anchor role that guided J&K home.
Chase Becomes Tense As Bengal Bowlers Fight Back
J&K began the final day requiring 83 runs with eight wickets in hand, seemingly in a comfortable position. However, the early overs were far from easy, as Mohammed Shami and Akash Deep generated movement and uncertainty with the new ball.
Shubham Pundir looked solid before Shami produced a peach that swung back sharply to clean bowl him. The wicket brought Bengal back into the contest, and suddenly the chase no longer looked straightforward.
Paras Dogra, the J&K captain, survived an LBW scare before Akash Deep eventually tempted him into an edged drive, resulting in a sharp catch behind the stumps.
Samad’s Sixes Break Bengal’s Momentum
At 71 for 4, J&K still needed 55 runs, and the match hung in the balance. That is when Abdul Samad took charge, thumping Akash Deep for a flat six and then finding boundaries to ease pressure.
When Shahbaz Ahmed entered the attack, Samad launched back-to-back sixes, one over long-on and another over deep extra cover, completely shifting the momentum.
His fearless approach ensured Bengal’s comeback hopes were pushed aside decisively.
Vanshaj Sharma Finishes The Job Amid Wild Celebrations
With nerves settling, Vanshaj Sharma began to open up, striking three fours in an over and later tonking Mukesh Kumar straight over the bowler’s head. That shot sparked wild celebrations as J&K sealed their historic entry into the final.
The win was not just a cricketing achievement but a landmark moment for the region’s sporting identity.
Jammu & Kashmir’s journey this season has been nothing short of inspirational, and they now stand one step away from a title dream.
Karnataka Dominate Uttarakhand With A Mammoth 802-Run Lead
In Lucknow, Karnataka continued their relentless march toward the Ranji Trophy final. Uttarakhand, meanwhile, wilted against Smaran and Rahul with Karnataka stretching their overall lead to 802 runs by the end of Day 4.
The match has been a one-sided display of Karnataka’s batting depth and bowling precision. With such a massive advantage, Karnataka have virtually sealed their place in the final.
Uttarakhand’s bowlers appeared exhausted as Karnataka piled on runs with ease, leaving the contest all but decided.
R Smaran Stars With Second Century Of The Match
R Smaran delivered another outstanding performance, scoring his second century of the game. His consistency and ability to bat long have been crucial in Karnataka’s dominance this season.
Smaran reached his hundred in style, taking his season tally to 950 runs and moving to the top of the run-scorers list. His form has been nothing short of extraordinary.
He eventually fell late in the day for 127, but not before pushing Karnataka’s lead into unimaginable territory.
KL Rahul Adds Firepower With A Quick Fifty
KL Rahul walked in at No. 6 and immediately shut the door on any Uttarakhand hopes. With his trademark timing and aggression, Rahul struck an unbeaten 70 off just 67 balls.
His innings was a reminder of the class and experience he brings even at the domestic level. Rahul’s presence made Karnataka’s batting lineup look even more intimidating.
He will now eye a century on Day 5, further strengthening Karnataka’s command.
Uttarakhand Collapse Under Pressure
Uttarakhand resumed Day 4 on 149 for 5 but quickly slipped further as Karnataka’s bowlers struck repeatedly. Vyshak cleaned up key batters with deliveries that shaped back sharply, while Shreyas Gopal chipped in with wickets.
At one stage, Uttarakhand were 175 for 9, staring at a quick collapse. Aditya Rawat, batting at No. 10, offered brief resistance with an unbeaten 45, smashing nine fours.
However, Uttarakhand were eventually bowled out for 233, conceding a massive 503-run lead.
Karnataka Refuse Follow-On And Continue The Onslaught
Despite holding an enormous advantage, Karnataka chose not to enforce the follow-on. Instead, they batted again, sending Mayank Agarwal and Kruthik Krishna to open.
Kruthik recorded his second fifty of the match, while Karnataka’s middle order continued to score freely against a tiring attack.
Rahul and Smaran then combined to take the total beyond reach, ensuring Uttarakhand had no escape route.
Ranji Trophy Final Likely To Be Karnataka vs Jammu & Kashmir
With Karnataka in complete control and J&K already qualified, the Ranji Trophy final is shaping up to be a fascinating clash of dominance versus destiny.
Karnataka bring experience, depth, and ruthless consistency, while Jammu & Kashmir arrive with momentum, belief, and the hunger of first-time finalists.
If Karnataka complete the formalities on Day 5, fans will witness a final that promises both history and high-quality cricket.
Conclusion
Day 4 of the Ranji Trophy semi-finals delivered two powerful stories. Jammu & Kashmir created history by reaching their maiden final, driven by Samad’s brilliance and Nabi’s match-winning spell.
Meanwhile, Karnataka crushed Uttarakhand with a gigantic lead, powered by Smaran’s centuries and Rahul’s classy knock.
The stage is now set for a potentially iconic Ranji Trophy final, where a new champion may rise or a powerhouse may reaffirm its legacy.
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