Akib Nabi Makes Jammu and Kashmir History

Jammu and Kashmir have scripted a historic chapter in Indian domestic cricket, reaching the Ranji Trophy final for the very first time. In a stunning first innings against Karnataka, the team established a commanding 291-run lead, powered by the sensational bowling of their pace spearhead, Akib Nabi.

The 29-year-old right-arm pacer has already etched his name into the record books. Nabi became the first bowler from Jammu and Kashmir to claim the most wickets in a single Ranji Trophy season. In the first innings of the final, he took five crucial wickets, bringing his season tally to 60, surpassing the previous record held by Uttarakhand’s Mayank Mishra, who had claimed 59 wickets.

Nabi’s fiery spell was instrumental in restricting Karnataka to 293 all out, despite a valiant 160 from Mayank Agarwal. Nabi’s figures of 5 wickets for just 54 runs in 23 overs highlighted his mastery and consistency under pressure. Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir had amassed 584 runs in their first innings, with Shubham Pundi top-scoring with 121.

The second innings also saw Jammu and Kashmir make a solid start. At 72 for 3, they held a 368-run lead, keeping them firmly in contention for their maiden Ranji Trophy title. Nabi’s form suggests that his wicket tally could rise further before the conclusion of the season.

This remarkable achievement also places Nabi among an elite group of bowlers in Ranji Trophy history, becoming only the seventh player to claim 60 or more wickets in a single season.

Top Single-Season Wicket-Takers in Ranji Trophy

*Season ongoing

Nabi’s extraordinary performance not only demonstrates his skill but also highlights the growing prominence of Jammu and Kashmir in Indian domestic cricket. As the final unfolds, cricket enthusiasts will watch eagerly to see if the team can convert this historic first appearance into championship glory.