Hubli, Feb 27: Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi etched his name in Indian domestic cricket history with a sensational performance in the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 final against Karnataka at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground on Friday.
Delivering a spell for the ages, the Delhi Capitals pacer completed his seventh five-wicket haul of the season, becoming only the third fast bowler in the 92-year history of the Ranji Trophy to claim 60 wickets in a single season.
Nabi finished with figures of 5 for 54, spearheading Jammu and Kashmir’s bowling attack as Karnataka were bowled out for 293, handing J&K a massive 291-run first-innings lead.
The 25-year-old speedster reached the landmark when he dismissed Shikhar Shetty, following the crucial wicket of Karnataka captain Mayank Agarwal, who was trapped leg-before after a valiant 160. That breakthrough allowed Nabi to overtake Uttarakhand’s Mayank Mishra to become the leading wicket-taker of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season.
Earlier, Nabi had stunned Karnataka by dismissing Karun Nair and Ravichandran Smaran for ducks in successive deliveries, underlining his devastating rhythm and accuracy.
With 60 wickets in a single season, seven five-wicket hauls, and consistent match-winning spells, Auqib Nabi has delivered one of the greatest bowling performances in Ranji Trophy history, playing a pivotal role in putting Jammu and Kashmir on the brink of their maiden Ranji Trophy title.
