Ranji Trophy: J&K on Verge of Historic Final After Bengal Collapse
J&K eyes their first Ranji Trophy final after a stunning Bengal batting collapse.

Top Summary
- What happened: Jammu & Kashmir dominated Bengal on Day 3 of the Ranji Trophy semifinal, needing only 126 runs to win after Bengal's batting collapse.
- Why it matters: J&K is now on the brink of reaching their first-ever Ranji Trophy final, a historic moment for the team.
- What changes: J&K needs just 83 more runs to secure a spot in the final, while Bengal faces elimination.
- Who is affected: The J&K cricket team, their fans, and the Bengal cricket team are all significantly impacted.
Bengal's Batting Disaster
Bengal suffered a dramatic batting collapse in their second innings, getting all out for just 99 runs, their lowest ever total against J&K in first-class cricket.
J&K now needs only 126 runs to win the Ranji Trophy semifinal and secure a historic spot in the final.
Shami's Heroics In Vain
Earlier in the day, Mohammed Shami delivered a stellar performance, taking a career-best 8 for 90 and helping Bengal gain a 26-run first-innings lead.
However, his efforts were ultimately undone by Bengal's disastrous batting performance in the second innings.
J&K's Bowling Attack Shines
Auqib Nabi and Sunil Kumar led the J&K bowling attack, each taking 4 wickets to dismantle the Bengal batting lineup.
Yudhvir Singh also contributed with 2 wickets.
Early Bengal Wickets Tumble
Auqib Nabi started the demolition job early, dismissing Sudip Chatterjee for a 'pair' in the first over.
Sunil Kumar followed up by removing the in-form Sudip Gharami in the next over.
Skipper's Failure and Brief Resistance
Bengal skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran failed to perform once again in a knockout game, getting dismissed for 5 runs by Nabi.
Shahbaz Ahmed and Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal briefly resisted with a 35-run partnership, but their departure triggered another collapse.
Solid J&K Finish to Day 3
Vanshaj Sharma (9*) and Shubham Pundir (22*) formed an unbroken 31-run partnership to see J&K through to the end of Day 3.
J&K finished the day at 43/2, needing just 83 more runs to win.
What to Watch Next
All eyes will be on the final day as J&K aims to complete the chase and secure their place in the Ranji Trophy final. Bengal will need a miracle to turn the game around.
