New Delhi, November 10: Young left-arm spinner Vanshaj Sharma produced a career-defining performance, claiming six wickets to power Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) to the verge of a historic first-ever Ranji Trophy victory against Delhi at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Day 3 of their Elite Group-D encounter.
After collapsing for 211 in the first innings, Delhi once again faltered with the bat, losing their last seven wickets for just 33 runs in the second innings to be bowled out for 277, despite a valiant 72 off 73 balls by captain Ayush Badoni.
Chasing 179 for victory, J&K reached 55 for 2 at stumps, needing only 124 more runs on the final day to script a memorable triumph.
Vanshaj Sharma Wrecks Delhi Line-Up
The 22-year-old Vanshaj Sharma, born in Jammu but trained in Delhi, turned the game on its head with a superb spell of 6 for 68 in 16.1 overs. His disciplined bowling dismantled Delhi’s middle and lower order, ensuring J&K held the upper hand heading into Day 4.
Delhi’s hopes revolved around Badoni, who led from the front with a fluent knock. He shared a 107-run stand with Ayush Doseja (62), reviving Delhi after an early wobble. But Badoni’s dismissal — caught brilliantly by Vivrant Sharma at long leg off Vanshaj — triggered an unstoppable collapse.
From 244 for 3, Delhi slumped to 277 all out, as Vanshaj and off-spinner Sahil Lotra (3/73) shared the spoils.
Delhi’s Late Fightback Offers Glimmer of Hope
Facing a modest target, J&K made a confident start through Qamran Iqbal (32 not out). However, Delhi’s Hrithik Shokeen gave his side a late boost, bowling Vivrant Sharma with a sharp-turning delivery before stumps.
At close, J&K stood at 55 for 2, with Vanshaj Sharma (0)* joining Qamran Iqbal at the crease.
What’s at Stake
A win for J&K would mark their first-ever first-class victory over Delhi, a powerhouse of Indian domestic cricket. Vanshaj’s all-round emergence and the team’s resilience under pressure have already made this contest one of the standout matches of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season.
Match Summary
Delhi 1st Innings: 211
J&K 1st Innings: 310
Delhi 2nd Innings: 277 (Ayush Badoni 72, Doseja 62; Vanshaj Sharma 6/68, Sahil Lotra 3/73)
J&K 2nd Innings: 55/2 (Qamran Iqbal 32*)
Target: 179
J&K need 124 more runs to win with 8 wickets in hand.
