Ranji Trophy: Jammu and Kashmir storm into quarterfinal with 182-run win vs Baroda

Jammu and Kashmir stormed into the quarterfinals of the Ranji Trophy with an emphatic 182-run victory over Baroda. With this comprehensive win, Jammu and Kashmir finished at the top of their group, reinforcing their dominance in the domestic tournament.

Setting a formidable target of 365, Jammu and Kashmir's off-break bowler Sahil Lotra came up with a career-best performance, claiming 7 wickets for 75 runs. Sahil's stellar bowling effort dismantled Baroda's batting lineup, bundling them out for 182 in 54.5 overs.

Left-arm spinner Abid Mushtaq ably supported Lotra, taking 3 wickets for 71 runs, including the final dismissal of Baroda’s number 11, Akash Singh, to seal a historic win. Baroda, who had managed only 166 runs in their first innings, resumed their second innings at 58 for two but failed to put up a resilient fight against J&K’s potent bowling attack.

Meanwhile, in another encounter, Maharashtra and Tripura played out a draw. Tripura reached 310 for five in their second innings on the final day, prompting both captains to mutually agree



to call off the match at that stage. Maharashtra secured three points by virtue of their first-innings lead, while Tripura managed one point.

As the league stage concluded, Jammu & Kashmir, Vidarbha, Haryana, and Saurashtra emerged as the top-ranked teams from their respective groups. Mumbai, Gujarat, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu also advanced to the quarterfinals as the second-placed teams.

The teams that finished at the top of their groups earned home advantage for the quarterfinals. However, despite topping Group A, Jammu & Kashmir will play their quarterfinal match in Pune due to unfavourable weather conditions back home.

Vidarbha showcased remarkable consistency throughout the league stage, finishing as the most dominant team with 40 points, winning six out of their seven matches in Group B. Haryana, Kerala, Jammu & Kashmir, and Gujarat remained unbeaten in the league stage. Jammu & Kashmir amassed 36 points with five outright victories in seven games, while Gujarat accumulated 32 points with four outright wins from their seven encounters.