Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Rest of India clinched the Irani Cup 2026 in emphatic fashion, defeating Jammu and Kashmir by 167 runs after bowling the hosts out for just 111 in their second innings at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium here on Sunday.
Chasing a daunting target of 279, J&K struggled against a relentless Rest of India pace attack and never managed to build the partnerships required to stay in contention. Mukesh Kumar produced a devastating spell to claim six wickets, while Akash Deep kept the pressure on with his pace and aggression.
Mukesh found considerable rhythm with both pace and swing, repeatedly troubling the J&K batters and striking at crucial stages of the innings. The turning point came with the dismissal of J&K captain Paras Dogra, who had played a vital 75 in the first innings.
Dogra’s departure exposed the J&K middle order and further strengthened Rest of India’s grip on the match. Shubham Khajuria attempted to steady the innings and offer resistance, but was unable to withstand the sustained pressure from the visiting quicks.
Abdul Samad, who had contributed a valuable 57 in J&K’s first innings, also failed to replicate that performance in the chase and was dismissed for 20.
With wickets falling at regular intervals, J&K’s chase quickly lost momentum. The hosts were eventually bowled out for 111, handing Rest of India a comprehensive 167-run victory.
Mukesh was the standout performer with the ball, finishing with a six-wicket haul. His combination of movement through the air, disciplined pace and accuracy kept the J&K batters under pressure throughout the innings.
The victory completed a strong comeback by Rest of India, who had been put on the back foot after J&K secured a 41-run first-innings lead. Rest of India responded strongly in their second innings to set J&K a challenging target before their pace attack dismantled the hosts’ batting line-up.
For J&K, the defeat brought their Irani Cup campaign to an end despite notable first-innings contributions from Dogra, Samad and Lone Nasir.
Rest of India thus walked away with the Irani Cup 2026 after completing a convincing 167-run victory.
