Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir’s disappointing performance in age-group cricket continued as their Under-23 side suffered a nine-wicket defeat against Chhattisgarh in the Col C K Nayudu Trophy Elite match at the Hostel Ground JKCA in Jammu on Thursday.
Despite playing at home, J&K failed to put up a competitive performance, struggling with the bat and allowing Chhattisgarh to dominate the four-day contest. The hosts were dismissed for 175 in their first innings before Chhattisgarh piled up 445, securing a massive 270-run lead.
J&K were forced to follow on and, although they showed greater resistance in their second innings, their recovery proved insufficient to prevent defeat. They were eventually dismissed for 336, leaving Chhattisgarh with a modest target of 67 runs.
The visitors completed the chase comfortably, losing just one wicket to seal a convincing nine-wicket victory and underline the gulf between the two sides in the contest.
J&K’s first-innings collapse proves costly
Chhattisgarh won the toss and elected to field, a decision that paid immediate dividends as J&K struggled to build a substantial total. The hosts were bowled out for 175 in 41.3 overs, handing the visitors the opportunity to take control of the match.
Chhattisgarh responded with an imposing 445 in 114.3 overs. Their strong batting display gave them a commanding 270-run first-innings advantage and forced J&K to bat again under immense pressure.
The follow-on brought little immediate relief for the hosts. J&K ended the second day at 46 for three, still trailing by 224 runs and facing the prospect of an innings defeat.
Second-innings fightback fails to save J&K
J&K’s batters showed greater resolve in the second innings, managing 336 in 93.4 overs. The effort helped them avoid an innings defeat, but it could not erase the consequences of their poor first-innings performance.
With only 67 runs required for victory, Chhattisgarh faced a straightforward chase. The visitors reached the target for the loss of one wicket to finish the match as comprehensive winners.
Questions over J&K’s age-group cricket
The defeat raises fresh questions about J&K’s ability to compete consistently at the elite level of domestic age-group cricket. Being bowled out for 175 at home and conceding a 270-run first-innings lead put the side on the back foot from the outset.
Although the second innings offered some resistance, a total of 336 could not compensate for the failure to make the most of the first innings.
For a team competing in a major BCCI domestic tournament, the result should prompt an honest assessment of batting technique, match preparation, partnerships and the ability to handle pressure.
The Under-23 level is a crucial stage in the development of players aspiring to progress to senior domestic cricket. Repeatedly failing to match stronger opponents can undermine that progression and makes it essential for the team management to identify the weaknesses behind such performances.
J&K cricket needs consistent performances across age groups, not merely occasional individual contributions. The latest defeat against Chhattisgarh is another reminder of the work required to build a more competitive and resilient unit.
Final scores:
Jammu and Kashmir Under-23s: 175 all out (41.3 overs) and 336 all out (93.4 overs)
Chhattisgarh Under-23s: 445 all out (114.3 overs) and 67-run target chased with one wicket down
Result: Chhattisgarh Under-23s won by nine wickets.
Tournament: Col C K Nayudu Trophy Elite
Venue: Hostel Ground JKCA, Jammu
Dates: October 12–15, 2026
