By Tehelka Web Desk
Srinagar, October 4: Rest of India defeated Jammu and Kashmir by 167 runs to win the Irani Cup 2026 at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar on Sunday.
Chasing a target of 279 runs, J&K were bowled out for 111 in their second innings, with pacer Mukesh Kumar taking six wickets to lead Rest of India to victory.
J&K struggled against the pace attack and lost wickets at regular intervals, failing to build the partnerships needed to keep the chase alive.
Mukesh was the pick of the bowlers, troubling the batters with pace and swing. Akash Deep also kept up the pressure with his aggressive bowling.
J&K captain Paras Dogra, who had scored 75 in the first innings, could not repeat his performance in the second innings. Abdul Samad, who had made 57 in the first innings, managed only 20 runs in the chase.
Rest of India had come under pressure after J&K secured a 41-run lead in the first innings. However, they recovered strongly to set a target of 279 before dismissing the hosts for 111 to seal the title.
Despite the defeat, J&K put up a fight in the first innings, with contributions from Dogra, Samad and Lone Nasir. However, their batting faltered in the final innings as Rest of India completed a convincing victory.
