Srinagar: Vidarbha survived a sensational batting collapse before holding their nerve to register a thrilling three-wicket victory over defending Ranji Trophy champions Jammu and Kashmir in their Elite Group A encounter at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar on Tuesday.
Chasing a modest target of 79 runs, Vidarbha slipped from a comfortable position into serious trouble, losing six wickets for just 26 runs. However, Harsh Dubey and Nachiket Bhute produced a composed finish to guide the visitors home at 81/7 in 22.5 overs.
The result was a bitter disappointment for J&K, whose pace attack had brought them within touching distance of a remarkable comeback victory after their own batting struggles in the second innings.
J&K resumed their second innings at a precarious 7/4, carrying a first-innings lead of 45 runs. The defending champions managed to stretch their total to 123 before being bowled out in 39.2 overs, setting Vidarbha a target of just 79.
Qamran Iqbal top-scored with 38, while Abdul Samad contributed 39, but the rest of the batting line-up failed to provide meaningful support.
For Vidarbha, Bhute delivered a decisive spell, claiming five wickets for 48 runs, while Dubey chipped in with two wickets for just three runs to keep J&K’s second-innings total in check.
Despite the modest target, Vidarbha’s chase quickly turned into a nerve-wracking affair.
J&K pacers Umar Nazir and Sunil Kumar exploited the conditions superbly, generating movement and putting the visitors under relentless pressure. Sunil Kumar finished with four wickets for 30 runs, while Umar Nazir claimed two for 45 as Vidarbha’s batting order crumbled.
With six wickets down for only 26 runs, the momentum had swung dramatically in J&K’s favour, raising hopes of an unlikely victory for the hosts.
However, Mandar Mahale and Dubey halted the slide with a valuable 29-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Mahale scored 25 before departing, leaving Vidarbha needing just a few more runs with three wickets remaining.
Dubey, unbeaten on 22, then joined hands with Bhute, who remained not out on 13, to complete the chase without further loss and secure a hard-fought victory for Vidarbha.
Earlier in the match, J&K had posted 260 in their first innings after winning the toss did not go their way, with Vidarbha electing to bowl. Kawalpreet Singh led the batting effort with a well-made 96, narrowly missing out on a century, while Paras Dogra added 36.
Bhute was again among the wickets, taking three for 41, while Rajneesh Gurbani and Yash Thakur claimed two wickets apiece.
Vidarbha responded with 305, establishing a crucial 45-run first-innings lead. Rajneesh Gurbani played a valuable unbeaten knock of 64, while R Samarth contributed 43. Umar Nazir and Sunil Kumar shared eight wickets between them, taking four wickets each, but Vidarbha’s lower order ensured their side secured an important advantage.
Samarth’s contribution earned him the Player of the Match award.
For J&K, the defeat will be particularly frustrating given the late fightback produced by their fast bowlers. After struggling with the bat in the second innings, the hosts came agonisingly close to defending a small target, only for Vidarbha’s lower-order resistance to settle the contest.
Brief Scores
Jammu and Kashmir: 260 all out in 82.5 overs and 123 all out in 39.2 overs (Qamran Iqbal 38, Abdul Samad 39; Nachiket Bhute 5/48, Harsh Dubey 2/3).
Vidarbha: 305 all out in 73 overs and 81/7 in 22.5 overs (Mandar Mahale 25, Harsh Dubey 22 not out, Nachiket Bhute 13 not out; Sunil Kumar 4/30, Umar Nazir 2/45).
Result: Vidarbha won by three wickets.
Player of the Match: Ravikumar Samarth.
