Irani Cup 2026: Jammu and Kashmir continue to hold the ascendancy

Paras Dogra (75), Abdul Samad (57) and lower-order batter Lone Nasir Muzaffar (64) made crucial contributions as Jammu and Kashmir took a vital first-innings lead in the ongoing Irani Cup game against Rest of India. At the close of play, RoI were 24 for 1, still trailing by 17 runs in Srinagar.

J and K’s eventual first-innings score of 278 could prove to be a winning total. But they had to overcome early setbacks. J and K, who began the day at 21 for 2, were soon reduced to 37 for 4. Mukesh Choudhary, Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep were the chief wicket-takers. At that juncture, Dogra and Samad set about rebuilding the innings.

Samad mixed caution with aggression, a salient feature of his batting even during the 2025–26 Ranji season. Ultimately, Mukesh broke the 101-run stand by sending Samad back to the pavilion. Sahil Lotra, Kanhaiya Wadhawan and Abid Mushtaq did not last long. At 166 for 8, it seemed certain that J and K would not surpass RoI’s total of 237.

However, the defending Ranji champions showed their mettle as Dogra and Nasir Muzaffar put on a 64-run partnership for the ninth wicket. The duo took calculated risks against the trio of Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain and Akash Deep. Dogra, the J and K skipper, renowned for his gritty performances over a long career, was eventually dismissed by Choudhary.

Nasir Muzaffar, however, continued to land meaty blows, including three sixes and two boundaries off Mukesh Kumar. By the time Akash Deep removed Nasir Muzaffar, J and K had secured a timely first-innings lead. Meanwhile, Choudhary bagged a five-wicket haul for RoI, with Dogra among his victims.

Sunil Kumar followed that up by dismissing Shikhar Mohan to ensure J and K would take the honours at the end of the day.

Brief scores: Rest of India 237 and 24 for 1 (Sunil Kumar 1–9) trail Jammu and Kashmir 278 (Paras Dogra 75, Lone Nasir Muzaffar 64; Mukesh Choudhary 5–78, Akash Deep 3–43) by 17 runs.