Rest of India claimed the 2026-27 Irani Cup title in Srinagar on Sunday, producing a clinical bowling performance to defeat reigning Ranji Trophy champions Jammu and Kashmir by 167 runs. The victory was secured on the fourth day, with pacers
The result marked a significant turnaround for Rest of India, who had conceded a 41-run first-innings lead earlier in the match. The foundation for the win was laid by Ravichandran Smaran, whose contributions of 68 in the first innings and 135 in the second proved vital in steering his side out of precarious positions.
A decisive final-day collapse
Jammu and Kashmir entered the final day needing only a draw to secure the trophy. Their pursuit began with promise as openers Shubham Khajuria and Qamran Iqbal built a 54-run partnership. However, the momentum shifted when Akash Deep trapped Iqbal lbw. Mukesh Kumar then seized control just before the lunch break, dismissing Shubham Pundir and captain Paras Dogra with consecutive deliveries in the 15th over, the latter bowled by a delivery that beat his defense to strike the middle stump.
At the lunch interval, Jammu and Kashmir were positioned at 89/3. The match turned decisively in the first over after the break when Akash Deep removed Khajuria. This breakthrough triggered a dramatic collapse, with the batting side losing their final six wickets for just 22 runs in nine overs. Mukesh Kumar finished with impressive figures of 6/33, marking his 11th five-wicket haul in first-class cricket, while Akash Deep concluded with 3/25.
Context and performance highlights
For Akash Deep, the performance was particularly significant as he returned to competitive action. His total of six wickets across 23.3 overs provides a timely boost to his fitness credentials ahead of India's upcoming tour of New Zealand. Earlier in the day, Rest of India had resumed their second innings at 306/8 before being bowled out for 319, with Umar Nazir, Sunil Kumar, and Sahil Lotra each claiming three wickets for Jammu and Kashmir.
The final scorecard saw Rest of India finish with 237 and 319, while Jammu and Kashmir posted 278 and 111. The comprehensive victory highlights the resilience of the Rest of India side, who successfully overcame a first-innings deficit to clinch the title in a high-stakes domestic encounter.
