Srinagar, Oct 20: Jammu and Kashmir suffered a dismal batting collapse in their second innings before Vidarbha chased down the target to register a three-wicket victory in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group match at the Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium here on Tuesday. After securing a 45-run first-innings lead, Vidarbha bowled out J&K for 123 in their second innings, setting themselves a target of 79 runs. Although J&K’s frontline pace duo of Umar Nazir and Sunil Kumar fought hard to keep their side in the contest, the total proved too small to defend as Vidarbha reached 81 for seven to seal the victory on day 3. Vidarbha opener Ravikumar Samarth was named Player of the Match for his century and a total of 149 runs across the match, while Nachiket Bhute delivered a decisive performance with the ball, finishing with eight wickets. Resuming their second innings after conceding a first-innings lead, J&K’s batting line-up crumbled against Vidarbha’s disciplined bowling attack. The collapse was particularly damaging at the top, with Yawer Hassan, nightwatchman Umran Malik and Lone Nasir all dismissed for ducks, leaving J&K in serious trouble early in the innings. Qamran Iqbal offered some resistance with 38 off 111 balls, while Abdul Samad provided a brief counterattack, scoring 39 off just 30 deliveries, including three fours and four sixes. However, neither contribution was enough to prevent the innings from falling apart. Kawalpreet Singh managed four runs, captain Paras Dogra was dismissed for six, and wicketkeeper Rydham Sharma scored five. Abid Mushtaq made eight, while Umar Nazir contributed 16 before falling as the innings folded for 123 in 39.2 overs. Bhute was the chief destroyer, claiming five wickets in the second innings to finish the match with eight wickets. He received support from other bowlers, maintaining pressure on the J&K batters. With only 79 runs to defend, J&K needed early breakthroughs to have any realistic chance of turning the match around. Umar Nazir and Sunil Kumar responded with spirited spells, giving their side a fighting chance despite the modest target. Umar removed two batters, while Sunil led the attack with four wickets in the chase, repeatedly troubling Vidarbha’s batting line-up. Sunil finished with figures of four for 30 in 11 overs, while Umar took two for 50 in 11.5 overs. Vidarbha, however, held their nerve despite losing seven wickets. Harsh Dubey remained unbeaten on 22, while Bhute contributed an unbeaten 13, helping the visitors cross the line at 81 for seven in 22.5 overs. For J&K, the defeat will be a reminder of the importance of batting partnerships and resilience under pressure. While the pace attack showed determination in trying to defend an inadequate total, the second-innings collapse left the bowlers with little margin for error. Samarth’s match-winning contribution with the bat and Bhute’s incisive bowling proved decisive as Vidarbha completed a hard-fought victory, leaving J&K to reflect on a disappointing batting display on home soil.
