Skipper Smagey Khajuria led from the front with a composed century, while Atharav Sharma remained unbeaten on 92 as J&K piled up 400 runs, taking a decisive 300-run first-innings lead.

The bowlers then completed the formalities, bundling Mizoram out for 118 in the second innings.
Left-arm spinner Sanil Singh and pacer Jaskaran Singh starred with the ball for J&K.

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Sources within the setup confirmed that Kundal has been brought in ahead of J&K’s remaining league fixtures, with the think-tank keen to inject stability and intent into the middle order. However, with the tournament already slipping away, questions remain whether the move has come too late to influence outcomes meaningfully.

The reshuffle follows Rydham Sharma’s failure to seize his opportunity after being handed a role to fill the void left by Kanhaiya Wadhawan. Despite being given chances, Rydham could not make a significant impact and, according to insiders, is set to make way for Kundal in the playing XI.

Selection changes are expected to go deeper. Kawalpreet Singh, who was brought in recently, is unlikely to feature in the next match, while Abdul Samad, dropped earlier in the tournament, is set for a return for the remaining fixtures. Yudhvir Singh is also likely to be included in the playing XI as J&K search for balance and spark.

The churn underlines the broader uncertainty gripping the side. While batting inconsistencies have hurt chases, bowling remains J&K’s most pressing concern, with the attack failing to control opposition line-ups or deliver match-winning spells. Former cricketers tracking the tournament have pointed to a lack of penetration and consistency, particularly from senior bowlers.

Among those under scrutiny is Auqib Nabi, who, despite leading the attack, has yet to deliver a defining performance in the competition. Former players and observers note that Nabi has struggled to make decisive inroads or tilt matches in J&K’s favour, adding to the team’s growing list of concerns.

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Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, J&K’s strategy of relying on their bowling strength backfired badly as the attack failed to apply pressure on the Uttar Pradesh batting line-up, which posted a formidable 322 for 5.

Much of the focus fell on Auqib Nabi, who led the bowling attack but endured another difficult outing. The pacer finished with figures of 2 for 73 from 10 overs, conceding runs at 7.30 per over, struggling to contain batters during key phases of the innings. While he managed two wickets, the lack of control and penetration allowed Uttar Pradesh to maintain momentum throughout.

The bowling unit, in general, looked toothless. M Ashwin was the most expensive, leaking 79 runs in his nine overs for just one wicket. Sunil Kumar and Lone Nasir Muzaffar were the only bowlers to show some restraint, with Nasir returning figures of 1 for 48 from nine overs, emerging as J&K’s most economical option on the day.

Uttar Pradesh built their innings around solid partnerships, with Sameer Rizvi’s unbeaten 80 off 45 balls and Prashant Veer’s brisk 37 not out providing the late flourish that took the score beyond J&K’s reach.

In reply, J&K’s chase began promisingly as openers Qamran Iqbal and Shubham Khajuria added 76 runs for the first wicket. The stand was broken by a run-out that saw Qamran depart for 32, triggering a familiar collapse. Khajuria went on to score 60.

Once again, Yawer Hassan stood tall amid the ruins, playing a composed and unbeaten 85, but the lack of partnerships from the other end proved costly. Skipper Paras Dogra’s poor run in the tournament continued, while Kawal Preet Singh, brought in for Abdul Samad, failed to make an impact. Lone Nasir Muzaffar departed for a duck, further denting the chase.

Auqib Nabi attempted a late cameo with 30 off 21 balls, but his dismissal left Yawer stranded, and J&K were eventually restricted to 264 for 8.

Cricket observers have begun expressing concern over J&K’s overall balance, pointing out that both batting and bowling are being exposed against stronger sides. Questions have also been raised over selection decisions, particularly the omission of impact players Abdul Samad and Yudhvir Singh, as the team struggles to arrest its slide.

With momentum firmly against them, J&K face pressing questions ahead of their remaining fixtures, as consistency, especially from senior bowlers like Auqib Nabi, remains elusive.

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Asked to bat first after Bengal won the toss, J&K’s batting line-up crumbled under relentless pace and discipline. Shami set the tone with sharp early spells, while Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar maintained pressure from the other end, exposing J&K’s top and middle order. Wickets fell at regular intervals, with J&K never able to stitch together any meaningful partnership.

Skipper Paras Dogra was the lone resistance for J&K, top-scoring with 19 off 46 balls in an otherwise bleak batting card. None of the other batters other than Shubham Khajuria who scored 12, managed to reach double figures, as J&K were bundled out in just 20.4 overs. Mukesh Kumar (4 wickets), Akash Deep (4 wickets) and Mohammed Shami (2 wickets) shared the spoils, completely dismantling the opposition.

In reply, Bengal made light work of the modest target, racing to 64 for the loss of just one wicket in 9.3 overs. Openers Abishek Porel and Sudip Kumar Gharami ensured there were no hiccups, with Bengal’s chase marked by composure and authority.

Mukesh Kumar was adjudged Player of the Match for his incisive spell, which played a decisive role in Bengal’s comprehensive nine-wicket victory.

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Delhi Capitals bought Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi for Rs 8.40 crore, marking his maiden IPL contract and the biggest franchise breakthrough ever for a cricketer from the region. Within minutes, celebrations erupted across J&K cricket circles. In his hometown Sheeri village in Baramulla, locals gathered outside his home, chanting, congratulating, and claiming the moment as their own.

The buy was no accident. It was the culmination of years of domestic consistency, from the Ranji Trophy to the Duleep Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where Auqib’s pace, discipline and knack for striking at key moments separated him from the pack. Multiple franchises tracked him, RCB, RR and SRH all entered bidding battles before Delhi Capitals sealed the deal.

Political leaders joined the chorus. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called it a proud moment for the entire region, while PDP legislator Waheed Para described the contract as proof that J&K’s talent only needs the right direction.

Yet amid the noise, Auqib remained calm, the same temperament that carried him through years of rejection.

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After registering two back-to-back victories, J&K put up a competitive total of 311 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs, riding on yet another solid showing by Qamran Iqbal and Yawer Hassan, but Vidarbha chased down the target comfortably with more than an over to spare.

Openers Qamran Iqbal and Shubham Khajuria gave J&K a steady start before Khajuria departed early. Qamran anchored the innings with a composed 54 off 68 balls, while Yawer Hassan once again underlined his growing consistency with a well-crafted 79 off 94 deliveries, stitching crucial partnerships in the middle order.

However, J&K’s experienced campaigner Paras Dogra continued his poor run with the bat, failing yet again as he was dismissed without troubling the scorers. Nasir Lone, who was promoted up the order in a tactical move, showed promise but failed to convert his start, departing for 19, leaving J&K searching for momentum during the middle overs.

The innings regained some impetus towards the end after late-order fireworks from the pacers. Auqib Nabi smashed a brisk 40 off 26 balls, while Yudhvir Singh remained unbeaten on 42 off 24, their counter-attacking stand pushing J&K past the 300-run mark and giving the total a competitive look.

In reply, Vidarbha rode on a massive 218-run partnership between Akshay Mokhade (139) and Samarth R (114), which effectively took the game away from J&K. Despite breakthroughs from Auqib Nabi and Yudhvir Singh, the damage had already been done as Vidarbha reached 315 for 5 in 48.3 overs.

While the defeat ended J&K’s winning streak, the continued good form of Qamran Iqbal and Yawer Hassan remains a positive, with both batsmen making a strong case for selection in the upcoming matches of the tournament.

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Batting at No. 3, Yawer displayed a rare blend of composure and controlled aggression, pacing his innings to perfection. He rotated strike efficiently in the early phase before accelerating against both pace and spin, finding gaps with ease and clearing the ropes with confidence.

A product of JKCA’s U-23 setup, Yawer’s knock came at a crucial time as he seized the opportunity to strengthen his case for a permanent spot in the senior side. His innings featured 13 boundaries and four sixes, underlining his ability to adapt to the demands of the 50-over format.

The century not only powered J&K to a massive total but also marked Yawer Hassan as a promising middle-order option for the team going forward.

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Asked to bat first after Assam won the toss, J&K made full use of the conditions to post a formidable 341 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs, their highest total of the season so far.

Openers Qamran Iqbal and Shubham Khajuria laid a solid foundation, adding 69 runs for the first wicket. Khajuria looked fluent, playing a series of classy drives before being trapped leg-before for 39 off 36 balls, striking seven boundaries. Qamran, after a cautious start, steadied himself to compile a composed 55 off 71 deliveries, anchoring the innings at the top.

The innings truly took shape with the arrival of Yawer Hassan at No. 3, who batted with remarkable maturity and intent. Rotating the strike early and punishing loose deliveries, Yawer gradually shifted gears to dominate the middle and death overs. His partnerships, including a crucial stand with Qamran, Samad, and later with Rydham Sharma, ensured J&K never lost momentum.

Yawer brought up his maiden List-A hundred in style and eventually fell for a brilliant 138 off 109 balls, laced with 13 fours and four sixes, setting the tone for a massive total.

Abdul Samad (24) provided a brief cameo, while wicketkeeper Rydham Sharma, drafted into the side following Kanhaiya Wadhawan’s injury, impressed on debut with a lively 35 off 28 balls, showcasing range and composure at the back end. Late runs from Auqib Nabi (15 off 8) and Yudhvir Singh (15* off 4) pushed J&K past the 340 mark.

In reply, Assam were never in the chase and were bundled out for 199 in 36.1 overs. Skipper S C Ghadigaonkar top-scored with 53, while Denish Das made 33, but Assam lost wickets at regular intervals.

Spinner M Ashwin was the standout bowler, claiming 5 for 34, while Yudhvir Singh picked up two wickets. Support came from Abid Mushtaq, Nasir Lone, and Abdul Samad, as J&K sealed one of their most emphatic victories of the tournament.

Yawer Hassan was later named Player of the Match for his outstanding century.

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Officials at the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), speaking to Greater Kashmir, confirmed that this was the first time J&K have chased down a target in the Vijay Hazare Trophy without losing a single wicket, making it a record win for the team in the tournament’s history.

The landmark victory was headlined by an unbroken 209-run opening partnership between Shubham Khajuria and Qamran Iqbal, which also stands as J&K’s highest partnership in Vijay Hazare cricket.

Chasing a modest target of 209, the J&K openers displayed complete control and maturity, reaching the target in 37 overs. Khajuria remained unbeaten on a superb 129 off 105 balls, laced with 20 boundaries, while Qamran anchored the innings with a patient 73 not out from 117 deliveries. Khajuria was later adjudged Player of the Match for his commanding knock.

Earlier, J&K’s bowlers laid the foundation with a disciplined and incisive performance after skipper Paras Dogra won the toss and elected to field.  Lone Nasir was the chief destroyer, producing a magnificent spell to claim four wickets, denting Chandigarh’s top and middle order.

Nasir was well supported by Auqib Nabi and Abid Mushtaq, who picked up two wickets each, while M Ashwin also chipped in with one wicket, as Chandigarh were bundled out for 208 in 39.5 overs. Despite fighting knocks from Tushar Joshi (42) and Taranpreet Singh (43), Chandigarh failed to build momentum against a tight J&K bowling attack.

JKCA officials termed the win “a significant milestone” for J&K cricket, noting that the record-breaking partnership and wicketless chase underlined the growing maturity and depth of the side in the one-day format.

The emphatic and historic victory gives J&K a strong start to their Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign and sends out a clear statement of intent for the matches ahead.

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After opting to field, J&K produced a disciplined bowling effort to restrict Chandigarh to 208 in 39.5 overs, before openers Shubham Khajuria and Qamran Iqbal made light work of the chase, overhauling the target without losing a wicket in just 37 overs.

Khajuria led the charge with a fluent unbeaten 129 off 105 balls, studded with 20 boundaries, while Qamran played the perfect foil, remaining not out on 73 from 117 deliveries.

Earlier, Chandigarh never quite recovered from regular strikes by J&K’s bowlers, with Lone Nasir Muzaffar wreaking havoc through a superb spell. Nasir finished with 4 wickets, breaking the backbone of Chandigarh’s batting lineup.

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