Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Delhi collapse, J&K stumble in reply on opening day at Arun Jaitley Stadium

Srinagar, Nov 8: On a gripping opening day of the Ranji Trophy Elite clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, J&K’s pace sensation Auqib Nabi once again rose to the occasion, spearheading his team’s attack with a magnificent five-wicket haul to bowl out Delhi for 211 in 69 overs. However, the visitors were left rattled in reply, losing three wickets for just 31 runs by stumps.

Electing to field first after winning the toss, J&K’s decision was vindicated early as Delhi’s top order faltered against disciplined pace bowling. Auqib Nabi set the tone with an early strike, removing opener Arpit Rana for a duck. He went on to claim key wickets through the innings, finishing with 5 for 35 in 16 overs, continuing his sensational run in the season.

Despite brief resistance from Ayush Badoni (64), Ayush Doseja (65) and Sumit Mathur (55), Delhi never managed to dominate. Nabi’s relentless pressure, supported by Vanshaj Sharma (2/57) and Abid Mushtaq (2/30), ensured that Delhi’s lower order folded quickly after a middle-order stand of 104 between Badoni and Doseja.

In reply, J&K had a shaky start. Openers Shubham Khajuria (4) and Qamran Iqbal (14) fell cheaply to Simarjeet Singh, while Sunil Kumar (1) also departed early. By close of play, J&K were 31 for 3, still trailing by 180 runs, with skipper PK Dogra (2)* and Vivrant Sharma (10)* holding the crease.

The match remains finely poised, but J&K’s hopes hinge on a strong middle-order response on Day 2, following a display of bowling brilliance led by Auqib Nabi.