Ranji Trophy semi-final action intensified as Mohammed Shami struck three crucial wickets, but Jammu and Kashmir fought back strongly to reach 198 for 5, needing 131 more runs to secure the first-innings lead against Bengal. The gripping Ranji Trophy contest remains evenly poised heading into Day 3, with momentum swinging between both sides after dramatic spells and counter-attacking brilliance defined the second day.
Ranji Trophy Semi-Final: Bengal Post 328 After Strong Start
The Ranji Trophy semi-final began Day 2 with Bengal resuming at 249 for 5, aiming to build a commanding first-innings total. However, disciplined bowling from Jammu and Kashmir ensured the innings was wrapped up for 328, keeping the contest competitive.
Auqib Nabi emerged as the standout performer in this Ranji Trophy clash, registering figures of 5 for 87 in 26 overs. The five-wicket haul not only dented Bengal’s progress but also helped him reach the milestone of 50 wickets in the ongoing season. His ability to extract movement and maintain tight lines prevented Bengal from accelerating during the crucial morning session.
In-form batter Sudip Kumar Gharami, who resumed unbeaten on 136, extended his knock to 146 off 246 balls before falling leg-before to Nabi. The dismissal halted Bengal’s push for a much bigger total in the Ranji Trophy semi-final. Veteran Sumanta Gupta contributed a brisk 39 off 36 balls, attempting to inject urgency, but left-arm seamer Sunil Kumar (3/41) used the second new ball effectively to restrict further damage.
Mohammed Shami’s Early Burst Rocks Jammu and Kashmir
When Jammu and Kashmir began their reply in the semi-final, Mohammed Shami immediately made his presence felt. The experienced pacer delivered a probing opening spell, striking twice to leave the batting side reeling at 13 for 3.
Shubham Khajuria and Tawer Hussain were both trapped plumb in front, unable to negotiate Shami’s precise seam movement. Mukesh Kumar added to the pressure by dismissing Shubham Pundir, caught in the slips, as Bengal seized early control in this Ranji Trophy encounter.
At that stage, the Ranji Trophy semi-final appeared to be tilting decisively in Bengal’s favour. With three top-order wickets down cheaply, Jammu and Kashmir faced a daunting challenge against a disciplined pace attack led by Mohammed Shami.
Paras Dogra and Abdul Samad Shift Momentum in Ranji Trophy Battle
The Ranji Trophy semi-final, however, witnessed a dramatic turnaround courtesy of a spirited partnership between Paras Dogra and Abdul Samad. The experienced skipper Dogra anchored the innings with composure, while the aggressive Samad launched a calculated counter-attack.
Samad, known for his IPL exploits, played fearlessly against Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar. His 82 off 85 balls included a flurry of boundaries that forced Bengal to rethink their field placements. Dogra, on the other hand, crafted a steady 58 off 112 balls, providing stability during a defining 143-run stand for the fourth wicket in the semi-final.
This partnership revived Jammu and Kashmir’s hopes in the Ranji Trophy clash. From a precarious 13 for 3, the team surged to 156 for 3, putting pressure back on Bengal’s bowlers. Dogra’s innings was particularly significant as he completed 10,000 runs in Ranji Trophy cricket, underlining his longevity and consistency in domestic cricket.
Bengal’s Tactical Decisions Under Scrutiny
The tactical approach during the Ranji Trophy semi-final drew attention as Bengal captain Abhimanyu Easwaran opted for defensive field placements once Samad began finding boundaries. Rather than maintaining attacking catchers, deep fielders were stationed to contain runs.
Shahbaz Ahmed was introduced into the attack, but his spell of 0 for 19 in eight overs failed to create breakthroughs. Bowling over the wicket and targeting the pads, he focused more on restricting scoring than inducing mistakes. In a high-stakes semi-final, such containment strategies allowed Jammu and Kashmir to consolidate.
Additionally, the third pacer Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal struggled to generate significant pace, making him easier to negotiate. Observers noted that a short, aggressive burst from Mohammed Shami or Akash Deep during Samad’s counter-attack could have shifted momentum sooner in this Ranji Trophy fixture.
Mohammed Shami Returns to Strike in Crucial Phase
Just as Jammu and Kashmir appeared to gain full control of the Ranji Trophy semi-final, Mohammed Shami returned for a decisive second spell. Demonstrating experience and composure, he removed the dangerous Abdul Samad, who was caught by Akash Deep after a fluent knock of 82.
Shami’s figures of 3 for 60 in 13 overs reflected his impact in the Ranji Trophy match. His ability to break partnerships at critical junctures kept Bengal firmly in contention despite the earlier onslaught.
Shortly after Samad’s dismissal, Paras Dogra fell to Mukesh Kumar, caught by Suraj Sindhu, ending his resolute innings. From a commanding 156 for 3, Jammu and Kashmir slipped to 156 for 5, reigniting Bengal’s hopes in the Ranji Trophy semi-final.
Late Resistance Keeps Ranji Trophy Contest Even
Despite the middle-order wobble, Jammu and Kashmir ensured the Ranji Trophy semi-final remained finely balanced. Abid Mushtaq and Kanhaiya Wadhawan added an unbeaten 42-run stand for the sixth wicket, taking the score to 198 for 5 at stumps.
With 131 runs still required to overhaul Bengal’s first-innings total of 328, the Ranji Trophy match heads into Day 3 with both teams eyeing a decisive advantage. Bengal will rely heavily on Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar to produce early breakthroughs, while Jammu and Kashmir will look to extend their lower-order resistance.
What to Expect on Day 3 of the Ranji Trophy Semi-Final
The Ranji Trophy semi-final promises another intense day of red-ball cricket. If Jammu and Kashmir can secure a first-innings lead, they will place significant scoreboard pressure on Bengal. Conversely, early wickets from Mohammed Shami could swing the contest dramatically.
Given the fluctuating momentum, disciplined bowling and tactical clarity will determine the direction of this Ranji Trophy encounter. With individual milestones, strategic debates, and match-defining spells already shaping the narrative, the semi-final stands as a compelling showcase of domestic cricket excellence.
As the Ranji Trophy battle continues, all eyes remain on whether Jammu and Kashmir can overturn the deficit or if Bengal’s pace spearhead Mohammed Shami will once again deliver a breakthrough performance to tilt the match decisively.
Written by 8JJ.com News Desk | February 17, 2026
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