Srinagar, Oct 12: Jammu and Kashmir endured a disappointing second day of their Ranji Trophy 2026-27 campaign as Madhya Pradesh’s bowlers dismantled their batting line-up before the visitors strengthened their position by reaching 59 for four in the second innings at the Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar on Monday.
Resuming at 3 for one, J&K were bowled out for 120 in 46.3 overs, conceding a first-innings lead of 76 runs to Madhya Pradesh. The visitors then lost four wickets in their second innings but finished the day with an overall lead of 135 runs and six wickets in hand.
Madhya Pradesh pacer Avesh Khan and Aryan Pandey claimed three wickets each to expose J&K’s batting frailties. The hosts struggled to build partnerships and lost wickets at regular intervals, failing to capitalise on their bowlers’ effort on the opening day.
Qamran Iqbal scored with 31 off 64 deliveries, while Shubham Pundir contributed 20 and Abdul Samad made 17. Wicketkeeper-batter Kanhaiya Wadhawan remained unbeaten on 35 off 63 balls, including three boundaries and a six, but received little support from the lower order.
Avesh finished with three for 44, while Pandey returned figures of three for 29. Akshay Sharma also played a key role, claiming two wickets for 18 runs as Madhya Pradesh wrapped up the innings in 46.3 overs.
Having secured a useful first-innings advantage, Madhya Pradesh began their second innings with the opportunity to put the match further beyond J&K’s reach. The hosts, however, responded with a disciplined bowling effort to keep the contest alive.
Auqib Nabi and Sunil Kumar picked up two wickets each as Madhya Pradesh slipped to 59 for four in 27 overs by stumps. Harsh Gawali made 11, Yash Dubey scored 22 and wicketkeeper Himanshu Mantri fell for a duck. Chanchal Rathore contributed eight before becoming Sunil’s second victim.
Captain Shubham Sharma remained unbeaten on 15, as the visitors carried a lead of 135 runs into the third day.
The opening sessions on Tuesday will be crucial for both sides. Madhya Pradesh will look to negotiate J&K’s pace attack and extend their advantage, while the hosts will aim to take the remaining wickets quickly and restrict the target to a manageable total.
With six wickets still in hand, the visitors remain in a stronger position, but early breakthroughs for J&K could bring the defending champions back into contention.
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