Jammu and Kashmir cricket has entered a historic new chapter as Akib Nabi captained his side to their first-ever Ranji Trophy final, simultaneously setting multiple records. In the first innings against Karnataka, the team established a commanding 291-run lead, powered by Nabi’s extraordinary bowling performance that has already made cricket history in the region.
The 29-year-old right-arm pacer bowled 23 overs, conceding just 54 runs while taking five crucial wickets, bringing his season tally to 60 wickets. This achievement makes him Jammu and Kashmir’s highest wicket-taker in a single Ranji season, surpassing the previous record of 59 wickets held by Mayank Mishra of Uttarakhand.
In the first innings, Jammu and Kashmir amassed 584 runs, with Subham Pundi leading the scoring with a brilliant 121 runs. For Karnataka, Mayank Agarwal registered a formidable 160-run half-century, yet it was Prasiddha Krishna’s five-wicket haul that destabilised their batting line-up and kept Jammu and Kashmir in a commanding position.
The second innings saw Jammu and Kashmir maintain their dominance. Despite losing three wickets for 72 runs, the team held on to a 368-run lead, signalling strong intentions of clinching the championship in their very first final appearance. Analysts suggest that this could be a defining moment in the history of cricket for the union territory.
Reaching 60 wickets in a single Ranji season is a feat achieved by very few bowlers. Nabi becomes the seventh bowler to join this elite list, and there is potential for this record to be extended in the coming seasons.
Top Wicket-Takers in a Ranji Season
| Bowler | Team | Season | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harsh Dubey | Vidarbha | 2024–25 | 69 |
| Ashutosh Aman | Bihar | 2018–19 | 68 |
| Jaydev Unadkat | Saurashtra | 2019–20 | 67 |
| Bishan Singh Bedi | Delhi | 1974–75 | 64 |
| Duda Ganesh | Karnataka | 1998–99 | 62 |
| Kanwaljit Singh | Hyderabad | 1999–2000 | 62 |
| Akib Nabi | Jammu & Kashmir | 2025–26* | 60* |
Nabi’s unprecedented performance is more than a personal triumph; it represents a historic milestone for Jammu and Kashmir cricket. Supporters and team members alike hope this final marks a significant step towards their first Ranji Trophy title.
Experts have praised Nabi and his team, suggesting their performance could set a new benchmark for Indian cricket and be remembered for years to come. This final, therefore, is not just a single match but a landmark chapter in the cricketing history of Jammu and Kashmir.