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‘We deserved it’: Jammu and Kashmir script history, stun Bengal to enter maiden Ranji Trophy final

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3 weeks ago

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NEW DELHI: Sixty-seven years after their maiden appearance, Jammu and Kashmir stormed into the Ranji Trophy final for the first time, defeating Bengal by six wickets in a stunning semifinal triumph that capped a fairytale run. Chasing a modest 126 at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground, the visitors rode on Abdul Samad’s unbeaten 30 off 27 balls and Vanshaj Sharma’s composed 43 not out to seal the historic victory with an unbroken 55-run stand on Wednesday.

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In a touching moment that symbolised the team’s unity, Samad stepped aside and allowed the young Vanshaj to finish the chase. The 22-year-old duly obliged, launching Mukesh Kumar over long-on for six to trigger emotional celebrations in the Jammu and Kashmir camp.

The foundations of the win were laid by pace spearhead Auqib Nabi, who delivered a match-winning nine-wicket haul to dismantle Bengal. Reflecting on the achievement, Nabi said, “Last time we missed it in the quarters but we did all the hard work and we deserved it.” The 29-year-old capped a remarkable season, taking his tally to 55 wickets at an outstanding average, underlining his role as the architect of the team’s success.

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Jammu and Kashmir’s journey to the final marks a dramatic transformation for a side once labelled “perennial underachievers.” Having played 334 matches with limited success over decades, their resurgence under captain Paras Dogra and coach Ajay Sharma has been extraordinary. Dogra himself reached a major milestone, becoming only the second batter to score 10,000 Ranji Trophy runs. “It’s a big achievement, never thought about it. I enjoyed the journey full of ups and downs. The game makes you a strong human being,” he said.

Bengal, despite boasting international stars, failed to defend a small target after being bowled out for just 99 in their second innings. Samad’s fearless strokeplay turned the tide, draining belief from the hosts.

Brief scores:

  • Bengal: 328 and 99 in 25.1 overs.

  • Jammu and Kashmir: 302 and 126 for 4 in 34.4 overs (Vanshaj Sharma 43 not out, Abdul Samad 30 not out).

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“Get married soon, bhai” – Sanju Samson’s hilarious quip on T20 World Cup 2026 star’s popularity

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6 minutes ago

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14 March 2026

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Team India opener Sanju Samson joked that his batting partner Abhishek Sharma should get married soon so that the other players in the side can also enjoy their share of limelight. The keeper-batter also quipped that the left-handed batter’s popularity made other players in the team jealous of him.

Samson was the Player of the Tournament as India won the T20 World Cup 2026 at home last week. He scored 321 runs in five innings at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.38. Samson ended the ICC tournament with three consecutive fifties, registering scores of 97*, 89 and 89. While Abhishek struggled for the most part, he hammered 52 off 21 in the final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad.

Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2026, Samson shared his views on Abhishek‘s massive popularity. In a lighthearted tone, he commented:

“Earlier the boys used to get jealous because of the cheers for Abhishek. It was Abhishek, Abhishek everywhere. We were like, do people only see him or what?”

The 31-year-old then engaged in some fun leg-pulling of the southpaw and urged the youngster to get married soon. Samson added:

“But yes, he is the superstar of the team now. Get married soon, bhai.”

Abhishek began the T20 World Cup 2026 with three consecutive ducks. He scored a crucial 55 off 30 in the Super 8 match against Zimbabwe in Chennai before registering a whirlwind half-century in the final.

“We are not ice and fire, we are fire and fire” – Sanju Samson on partnership with Abhishek

Speaking at the conclave, Samson also shared his thoughts on his opening partnership with Abhishek. Describing their combination as fire and fire, the Kerala cricketer stated that they try to keep things pretty simple out in the middle. The 31-year-old elaborated:

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“We are not ice and fire, we are fire and fire. Sometimes he fires, sometimes I do. We have that kind of combination going. We have done this since 2024, we have a Kerala-Punjabi friendship in the middle. Everything comes pretty naturally to us, so we do not complicate it. He asks me, ‘How is the ball coming?’ I tell him that the ball is coming normally, hit it for a six. It is really simple with him.

“Abhishek is very brave and collected, I love his character. I really love the partnership with him on and off the field,” the keeper-batter concluded.

Abhishek and Samson got India off to a terrific start in the T20 World Cup 2026 final, adding 98 in 7.1 overs. The partnership was broken when Abhishek was caught behind off Rachin Ravindra. The stunning opening stand paved the way for Team India’s historic triumph.