Ranji Trophy 2025-26: J&K script history by recording first-ever win over Delhi

Jammu and Kashmir achieved a historic feat as they defeated Delhi by seven wickets in their Ranji Trophy 2025-26 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. It was J&K’s first-ever victory against Delhi in Ranji Trophy history, ending a 65-year wait.

For decades, Delhi had dominated J&K in Ranji Trophy clashes, winning 37 out of 43 previous meetings. However, J&K has made a steady rise in recent years with wins over Mumbai, Baroda, and Vidarbha, and carried that momentum into this fixture. Under captain Paras Dogra, the team dismantled one of India’s most decorated domestic teams on their home turf.

In the match, J&K’s Auqib Nabi delivered a brilliant spell of 5 for 35 in Delhi’s first innings, restricting the hosts to just 211. Captain Dogra then led from the front with a knock of 106, while Abdul Samad’s 85 guided J&K to 310.

https://www.crictracker.com/domestic-cricket/ranji-trophy/Delhi fought back in their second innings through Ayush Badoni (72) and Harshit Doseja (62), posting J&K a target of 179. Following which, opener Qamran Iqbal produced a career-best unbeaten 133, guiding his team to a comfortable chase. His innings saw him take on Delhi’s spinners on a worn-out surface. As Delhi’s bowlers searched for breakthroughs, Iqbal scored runs with ease.

Vanshaj Sharma also played a crucial role with the ball, claiming 6 for 68 in the second innings to crush Delhi’s hopes of a comeback. The fielding and impressive captaincy decisions from Dogra, including introducing Vanshaj at the right moments, ensured J&K remained at the top.

For Delhi, despite solid knocks from Ayush Badoni and Doseja, the team's selection policies and lack of clarity were evident. Coached by Sarandeep Singh, Delhi now find themselves sixth in Elite Group D with only seven points from four games, and their chances of qualifying for the knockouts look minimal.