Fast Bowlers Shine on Day One of Irani Cup 2026

Fast Bowlers Dominate Opening Day

The opening day of the Irani Cup 2026 saw fast bowlers take center stage as Jammu & Kashmir faced off against Rest of India at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium. After winning the toss and choosing to field, Jammu & Kashmir bowled out the Rishabh Pant-led Rest of India for a total of 237 runs. By the end of the day, Jammu & Kashmir had scored 21 runs for the loss of 2 wickets, trailing by 216 runs.

Jammu & Kashmir Seamers Excel

The seamers from Jammu & Kashmir quickly found support from the pitch after Rest of India batted first. Sunil Kumar was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for 36 runs in 20.1 overs. Umar Nazir Mir and Lone Nasir also contributed significantly, with figures of 2 for 65 in 18 overs and 3 for 59 in 13 overs, respectively.

Rest of India Faces Collapse

Rest of India began their innings steadily, reaching 106 for 2 at one point. Opener Shikhar Mohan was the top scorer with a solid 60 runs, while vice-captain Sarfaraz Khan added a composed 45. However, after lunch, Jammu & Kashmir turned the tide, taking four wickets for just 22 runs, leaving Rest of India at 155 for 7 by Tea. Captain Rishabh Pant, returning to red-ball cricket, was dismissed for just 10 runs. Smaran Ravichandran then provided a vital boost with a counter-attacking 68 runs off 83 balls, helping the team surpass the 200-run mark before being bowled out for 237 in 68.1 overs.

Challenging End to Day One for Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir faced a challenging conclusion to Day 1, losing two wickets in a difficult seven-over stretch. The pace bowlers from Rest of India, Akash Deep and Mukesh Choudhary, struck early, leaving the hosts at 21 for 2. Opener Qamran Iqbal remained not out on 12 runs as Jammu & Kashmir prepares to continue their innings on Day 2, trailing by 216 runs.