Auqib Nabi’s 12-Wicket Masterclass Stuns Madhya Pradesh, Sends J&K to Ranji Semifinals

Auqib Nabi's 12-wicket haul powers J&K into Ranji Trophy semifinals

History was made in Srinagar—not with fireworks, but with the relentless thud of red leather on stumps. Auqib Nabi, the 28-year-old right-arm seamer from Jammu & Kashmir, delivered one of the most devastating bowling performances in recent Ranji Trophy history, claiming a career-best 12-wicket haul to dismantle two-time champions Madhya Pradesh and send his team into the semifinals for the very first time.

In a high-stakes quarterfinal clash, J&K didn’t just win—they announced their arrival on Indian domestic cricket’s biggest stage. And at the heart of it all was a bowler who turned match pressure into personal triumph, proving that sometimes, one man can change the course of a team’s destiny.

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Auqib Nabi’s Historic 12-Wicket Feat

Few could have predicted this level of dominance. Across both innings, Auqib Nabi was unplayable. He finished with match figures of 12/98—a performance that ranks among the best by any J&K bowler in the tournament’s history.

In the first innings, he ripped through Madhya Pradesh’s middle order, returning figures of 6/47. But it was his second-innings spell that truly sealed the deal. With J&K setting a target of 213, Nabi came out firing. He bowled with pace, precision, and relentless aggression, finishing with another 6-wicket haul (6/51) to bundle out the opposition for just 157.

His ability to swing the ball both ways, coupled with subtle variations in length, left even seasoned batters like Rajat Patidar and Yashasvi Jaiswal groping. This wasn’t just a good spell—it was a masterclass in seam bowling under pressure.

How J&K Outsmarted the Defending Champions

While Nabi stole the headlines, J&K’s victory was a collective effort built on smart cricket:

  • Top-order resilience: Openers Sami Aslam and Manzoor Dar laid solid foundations in both innings, absorbing early pressure.
  • Crucial contributions: Abdul Samad scored a gritty 68 in the second innings, pushing the total to a defendable 213.
  • Supporting cast: Young spinner Parvez Rasool chipped in with key breakthroughs, complementing Nabi perfectly.

Their game plan was clear: bat time, set a competitive total, and unleash their ace pacer. It worked to perfection.

Madhya Pradesh’s Collapse Under Pressure

Madhya Pradesh, the defending champions, looked out of sorts throughout the match. Their batting lineup, usually so dependable, crumbled against disciplined bowling. In both innings, they lost clusters of wickets at critical junctures.

Despite a fighting 45 from veteran batter Aditya Shrivastava in the second innings, the rest of the order failed to show the required grit. Their inability to handle Nabi’s inswingers proved fatal. For a team known for its mental toughness, this was an uncharacteristic surrender on a pitch that offered help but wasn’t a minefield.

The Significance of J&K’s Semifinal Run

This isn’t just another semifinal berth—it’s a watershed moment for cricket in Jammu & Kashmir. Historically overshadowed by traditional powerhouses, J&K has steadily built a competitive side over the last five years. This achievement validates years of investment in grassroots programs and infrastructure, including the state-of-the-art Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar.

Reaching the semifinals puts them in elite company and offers invaluable exposure for young talents. It’s a powerful symbol of hope and sporting excellence from a region often defined by other narratives.

What Lies Ahead in the Semifinals

J&K will now face the winner of the Andhra vs Bengal quarterfinal—a tough challenge regardless of the opponent. Both teams boast strong batting lineups and experienced campaigners.

For J&K to go further, they’ll need more than just Nabi. The top order must deliver bigger totals, and the fielding unit must remain sharp. But if Nabi can replicate even half of this form, they’ll be a nightmare for any semifinal rival. Stay tuned for our tactical preview: J&K’s Semifinal Opponent: Strengths & Weaknesses.

The Rise of Cricket in Jammu & Kashmir

The growth of cricket in the region has been remarkable. Supported by initiatives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and local academies, J&K has produced several IPL players in recent years, including Abdul Samad and Rasikh Salam.

Nabi’s breakout performance is the latest chapter in this rising story. It shows that with the right support and opportunity, talent from every corner of India can shine on the national stage.

Conclusion: A New Hero Emerges

Auqib Nabi’s 12-wicket haul wasn’t just a match-winning performance—it was a legacy-defining one. He carried the hopes of a region on his shoulders and delivered with grace and ferocity. As Jammu & Kashmir celebrates its historic Ranji Trophy semifinal entry, one name will echo through the valleys: Auqib Nabi, the architect of a dream run.

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