Rest of India produced a commanding performance with both bat and ball to defeat Jammu & Kashmir by 167 runs and lift the Irani Cup 2026 in Srinagar. After gaining a crucial first-innings lead, Rest of India were powered by a century from Smaran Ravichandran before Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep combined to dismantle the J&K batting order on the fourth day.

Smaran Ravichandran gives Rest of India a strong platform

The fourth day’s play began with Rest of India looking to stretch their advantage after J&K had been bowled out for 278 in their first innings. Ravichandran, who had already reached his century, resumed his innings with the lower order and looked to add valuable runs to the team’s lead.

The batter managed to score another 13 runs before his resistance finally came to an end at 135. His contribution proved vital as Rest of India eventually posted 319 in their second innings, setting Jammu & Kashmir a target of 279 for victory. Smaran’s 135 was the standout batting performance for Rest of India in their second innings, while Sanat Sangwan also made a useful contribution with 55. For J&K, Umar Nazir Mir, Sahil Lotra and Sunil Kumar picked up three wickets apiece.

With only 279 required, J&K had a realistic opportunity to mount a successful chase. However, their hopes were quickly challenged by a disciplined Rest of India bowling attack.

Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep trigger J&K collapse

Jammu & Kashmir made a positive start to their chase as Qamran Iqbal and Shubham Khajuria put together a 54-run opening partnership. The pair initially appeared comfortable against the Rest of India bowlers, but Akash provided the first breakthrough by trapping Iqbal leg before wicket.

Mukesh then made a decisive impact. In the same over, he removed Shubham Pundir and J&K captain Paras Dogra, leaving the hosts struggling at 65/3. Khajuria and Abdul Samad attempted to steady the innings and remained together for another 5.2 overs. Their effort, however, was cut short when Akash dismissed Khajuria for 36.

From there, J&K’s innings unravelled rapidly. They slipped from 89/4 to 110 all out, with Mukesh Kumar completing a remarkable final assault. The Bengal pacer dismissed Abid Mushtaq, Nazir Mir and Sunil in the same over to wrap up the contest.

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Rest of India seal 167-run victory

Jammu & Kashmir were eventually bowled out in just 28.4 overs, falling well short of their target. Mukesh finished with exceptional figures of 6/33, while Akash claimed 3/25 as the Rest of India attack completed a comprehensive victory.
The final result underlined the importance of Rest of India’s all-round performance. After posting 237 in their first innings, they recovered strongly through Smaran’s 135 and a total of 319 in the second innings.

J&K had earlier managed 278, but their second-innings collapse proved decisive. Rest of India’s 167-run victory secured them the Irani Cup 2026, with Smaran’s century providing the batting foundation and Mukesh and Akash finishing the job with the ball.

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