Can you believe it? Jammu & Kashmir just pulled off a monumental feat in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, clinching their first-ever victory against cricketing giants Delhi in 65 years! This seven-wicket triumph at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on November 11, 2025, wasn’t just a win; it was a statement, largely thanks to opener Qamran Iqbal’s incredible unbeaten century.
Key Takeaways
- Jammu & Kashmir secured their first-ever win against Delhi in 65 years and 43 encounters.
- Qamran Iqbal smashed an unbeaten 133 runs off just 147 balls, leading J&K to victory.
- J&K chased down 179 runs with seven wickets in hand on the final day.
- This win propels J&K to second place in Elite Group D, boosting knockout hopes.
- Delhi’s defeat highlights deep-seated internal issues, jeopardizing their season.
Unbelievable! Qamran Iqbal’s Maiden Ton Sinks Delhi: J&K Breaks 65-Year Ranji Trophy Jinx in Historic Upset
Match Turning Points
The match, which kicked off on November 8, 2025, saw J&K captain Paras Dogra win the toss and opt to bowl. And what a call it was! Auqib Nabi immediately made his presence felt, ripping through Delhi’s batting line-up with a fiery 5-wicket haul, dismissing them for a mere 211 runs in their first innings. That was a huge statement.
J&K’s response was equally impressive, putting up 310 runs and securing a crucial 99-run lead. Captain Paras Dogra himself anchored the innings with a composed 106, while Abdul Samad added a quickfire 85. These centuries really built the pressure on Delhi, setting the stage for something special.
Get the Latest Updates
Be part of our sports community for daily news, expert analysis, and insider info.
Delhi tried to fight back in their second innings, scoring 277, but young Vanshaj Sharma stepped up big time. He grabbed a spectacular 6-wicket spell for 68 runs, ensuring J&K faced a manageable target of 179. But honestly, chasing any score against a team like Delhi, especially for the first time ever, feels immense.
Qamran Iqbal’s Heroics and What This Means
Then came Day 4, November 11, 2025. All eyes were on J&K’s chase, and Qamran Iqbal delivered. He wasn’t just good; he was exceptional, scoring an unbeaten 133 runs off just 147 balls, featuring 20 fours and 3 sixes. He wasn’t just hitting; he was dominating, securing a seven-wicket victory and writing his name into history books.
This isn’t just a win; it’s a colossal shift. For 65 years, across 43 encounters, Delhi had consistently dominated J&K. They’d won 37 of those matches! So, this isn’t just a maiden century for Iqbal; it’s a maiden victory for J&K against a long-standing rival. Talk about breaking a jinx!
Expert Analysis
Sources like The Economic Times and NDTV Sports are calling this a “new low” for Delhi cricket, and frankly, it’s hard to argue. Delhi is now languishing at sixth place in Group D with just seven points after four matches. Their knockout stage hopes are now significantly jeopardized. Experts point to questionable selections, inconsistent strategies, and even internal factionalism as contributing factors to their struggles.
But for J&K? Republic World highlights their steady graph in domestic cricket. This significant win has propelled Jammu & Kashmir to the second position in the Elite Group D points table with 14 points, sitting just behind leaders Mumbai. It shows a growing team, one that’s finding its footing and isn’t afraid to challenge the established order. This team’s journey is certainly one to watch.
Social Media Storm
The internet is buzzing! Cricket fans are absolutely losing it over J&K’s historic win. Social media is flooded with praise for Qamran Iqbal and the entire J&K squad. People can’t stop talking about how monumental it is to finally beat Delhi after so many decades. There’s a real sense of joy and surprise, especially considering Delhi’s long history of dominance. Many are calling it the upset of the season, and you can see why!
Tournament Impact
This result drastically shakes up Elite Group D. J&K, now with 14 points, are firmly in contention for the knockout stages. Their confidence must be sky-high. Delhi, on the other hand, faces a tough road ahead. Their season is now hanging by a thread, and they’ll need to regroup fast if they want any chance of progressing. Will this defeat force some major changes within their squad? Only time will tell.
What do you think of J&K’s historic victory? Can they keep this momentum going and make a deep run in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season? Share your thoughts!






