Chasing a target of 279 for victory, Jammu and Kashmir entered the final day with hopes of forcing a draw, which would have been sufficient to claim the title following their 41-run first-innings lead. However, those ambitions were quickly extinguished as the Rest of India pace attack found immediate rhythm, ultimately bowling the reigning Ranji Trophy champions out for just 111 in 28.4 overs.
Mukesh Kumar’s match-defining intervention
The turning point of the contest arrived when Mukesh Kumar approached stand-in captain Sarfaraz Khan—who was leading the side in the absence of Rishabh Pant—with a specific request for one more over. The pacer’s confidence proved well-founded as he produced a clinical spell that shifted the momentum entirely in favor of the Rest of India.
In the 13th over, Mukesh struck a crucial blow by trapping Shubham Pundir lbw for 9. Although the initial appeal was turned down, a successful review by Sarfaraz confirmed the dismissal. Mukesh followed this by clean-bowling Jammu and Kashmir captain Paras Dogra for a duck, shattering the middle stump with a sharp delivery. Dogra, who had been the top scorer in the first innings with 75, was removed at a pivotal moment, effectively breaking the back of the opposition's resistance.
A clinical bowling performance
The commentary team captured the intensity of the moment, noting that Mukesh had promised his captain two wickets if granted the extra over. The pacer delivered on that pledge, finishing the match with impressive figures of 6/33. He was well-supported by Akash Deep, who claimed three wickets, as the duo combined to take nine wickets between them.
This victory marks the first Irani Cup title for the Rest of India since the 2023-24 season. By dismissing the opposition for 111, the side successfully defended their total and asserted their dominance to close out the match on the fourth day, capping off a commanding performance in the field.
