A Tense Encounter in the Ranji Trophy Semifinal
The Ranji Trophy semifinal between Jammu & Kashmir and Bengal is proving to be a hard-fought contest. After Bengal posted a solid first-innings score, Jammu & Kashmir's batting lineup faced significant pressure. Key performances from Paras Dogra and Abdul Samad were instrumental in keeping Jammu & Kashmir in the match, demonstrating a strong comeback effort amidst challenging bowling from Bengal.
The Match Unfolds: First Innings Action
Bengal's first innings concluded with a total of 328 runs. Sudip Gharami was a standout performer for Bengal, scoring a significant 146 runs. For Jammu & Kashmir, the bowling attack showed grit, with Nabi taking five wickets and Sunil contributing three wickets.
In response, Jammu & Kashmir's first innings saw early setbacks. They lost several wickets quickly, leaving them in a precarious position.
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Early Wickets: Shubham Khajuria, Yawer Hassan, and Shubham Singh Pundir were dismissed for low scores.
Bowling Efforts: Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar were effective for Bengal, taking multiple wickets.
Dogra and Samad Lead the Revival
Despite the early pressure, Paras Dogra and Abdul Samad provided crucial stability and scoring for Jammu & Kashmir.
Paras Dogra: Scored 58 runs off 112 balls before being dismissed. His innings was significant not only for runs but also for a personal milestone.
Abdul Samad: Contributed 82 runs and was still batting at the close of play. His partnership with Dogra was vital in reviving Jammu & Kashmir's innings.
At the end of play on Day 2, Jammu & Kashmir had reached 236 runs for the loss of five wickets, with Kanhaiya Wadhawan and Abid Mushtaq batting on 10 and 26 respectively.
Dogra Achieves a Landmark in His Career
During this semifinal, Paras Dogra reached a significant milestone, becoming the second player in Ranji Trophy history to cross 10,000 runs. This achievement places him among the elite batsmen in the tournament's history.
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Dogra now has 33 centuries in the Ranji Trophy, second only to Wasim Jaffer.
He reached the 10,000-run mark in 147 innings.
Broader Context of Jammu & Kashmir's Ranji Journey
This semifinal appearance marks a notable moment for Jammu & Kashmir cricket. The team has previously reached the semi-finals for the first time in their 55-year history.
It is important to note that Jammu & Kashmir had previously qualified for the semifinals, with their quarter-final match against Kerala being a close contest.
Expert Observations
"The resilience shown by Jammu & Kashmir, especially through Dogra and Samad, highlights the competitive spirit in this Ranji Trophy season."
"Reaching 10,000 Ranji runs is a testament to Paras Dogra's sustained excellence over a long career."
Conclusion and Implications
The Ranji Trophy semifinal between Bengal and Jammu & Kashmir is poised for a thrilling conclusion. While Bengal secured a first-innings lead, the strong partnership between Paras Dogra and Abdul Samad has provided Jammu & Kashmir with a fighting chance. Dogra's personal milestone adds a layer of historical significance to the ongoing match. The performance of both teams in their remaining innings will determine the outcome of this high-stakes encounter.
Sources Used:
The Hindu: "Ranji Trophy semifinal | Dogra and Samad’s knocks revive Jammu & Kashmir against Bengal" - https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/ranji-trophy-semifinal-dogra-and-samads-knocks-revivejammu-kashmir-against-bengal/article70639157.ece
Sportstar: "Paras Dogra becomes second batter to cross 10,000 Ranji Trophy runs" - https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/domestic/paras-dogra-jammu-and-kashmir-record-second-player-to-reach-10000-ranji-trophy-runs-list/article70637996.ece
Newkerala.com: "Dogra Reaches 10,000 Ranji Runs, Padikkal Hits 232" - https://www.newkerala.com/news/a/paras-dogra-becomes-second-player-score-10000-ranji-470.htm
News18: "Jammu & Kashmir Vs Bengal Ranji Trophy Semifinal Day 1 Highlights: Sudip Gharami Takes BEN To 249/5" - https://www.news18.com/cricket/jammu-and-kashmir-vs-bengal-live-score-ranji-trophy-semifinals-today-cricket-match-j-k-vs-ben-latest-scorecard-updates-liveblog-ws-l-9904526.html
Wisden: "Ranji Trophy 2025 Semi-Finals, Live Score And Updates: Shardul Strikes Early, Gujarat Openers Start Strong | Indian Cricket News" - https://wisden.com/series/ranji-trophy-2024/cricket-news/ranji-trophy-2025-semifinals-live-score-and-updates
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