After an action-packed third day, which witnessed as many as 14 wickets tumble, there is little to choose between Jammu & Kashmir and Mumbai.
As things stand in their first-round Elite Group-D Ranji Trophy contest at the Sher E Kashmir Cricket Stadium on Friday, the host, which reached 21 for one in the fourth innings at stumps on the penultimate day, needs another 222 runs to notch up its third straight win in the competition against Mumbai. The 42-time champion, on the other hand, will be eyeing nine wickets as soon as possible in defence of a target of 243.
If J&K is in a position to think of victory despite conceding a first-innings lead of 61 runs in Friday’s morning session, it is because of pacer Auqib Nabi’s exploits. The 28-year-old from Baramulla, who was the highest wicket-taker among fast bowlers in the 2024-25 Ranji season with 44 scalps in eight matches, produced the goods yet again with figures of 16-3-52-5. It is his 10th five-wicket haul in 32 First-Class appearances.
ALSO READ: Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Prashant, Chandela lead Uttarakhand fightback against Bengal
It helped J&K bounce back after adding only 52 runs to its overnight first-innings total of 273 for seven. Nabi’s skill and accuracy meant Mumbai was bundled out for 181 in the third innings.
Much like the opening day, the visitor’s reputed top-order batters did not click. While Musheer Khan was trapped leg-before by Nabi, Ajinkya Rahane nicked one to Kanhaiya Wadhawan behind the stumps. The score was still on 22 when Mumbai lost a third wicket — Ayush Mhatre was caught in front by Umar Nazir. Sarfaraz Khan appeared to be in good touch during a knock of 32 before also being pinned leg-before by Nabi.
While Shams Mulani and Akash Anand offered some resistance with a stand of 50, the J&K bowlers polished off the lower-order quickly. With Mumbai then claiming the wicket of opener Shubham Khajuria, a fascinating final day is in the offing.
Published on Oct 17, 2025
