Updated On: 19 February, 2026 08:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Subodh Mayure
Pacer Auqib Nabi starred with a nine-wicket match haul as Jammu & Kashmir cricket team defeated Bengal cricket team by six wickets to enter their maiden Ranji Trophy final. The 29-year-old quick claimed 5-87 in the first innings and 4-36 in the second to guide J&K to a landmark victory in Kolkata

J&K’s Auqib Nabi celebrates his fifer vs Bengal on Monday. Pic/PTI
J&K pacer Auqib Nabi, 29, with his nine-wicket match haul (5-87 & 4-36), has almost single-handedly helped them beat Bengal by six wickets to enter their maiden Ranji Trophy final, where they meet Karnakata on Feb 24 in Bengaluru.
The star pacer, who is the second highest wicket-taker with 55 scalps this season, though credited his teammates for helping J&K make history. “It [maiden Ranji final] is a very, big thing. There’s nothing better than this for us. This is a total team effort. We have helped JKCA [Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association] create history. It feels good to be a part of history,” Nabi told mid-day over the phone from Kolkata.