SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir produced a disciplined bowling display on the opening day of the Irani Cup, bowling out Rest of India for 237 before finishing Thursday at 21 for one at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium.
After winning the toss, J&K captain Paras Dogra elected to bowl first, and his decision paid off as the hosts kept the Rest of India batting line-up under pressure throughout the day.
Sunil Kumar and Nasir Lone were the pick of the J&K bowlers, claiming three wickets each. Umar Nazir Mir took two wickets, while Sahil Lotra and Abid Mushtaq picked up one wicket apiece.
Rest of India were bowled out for 237 in 68.1 overs despite contributions from Smaran Ravichandran, who top-scored with 68, Shikhar Mohan, who made 60, and Sarfaraz Khan, who scored 45.
Rest of India captain and India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was dismissed for 10.
Pant attempted to attack Umar Nazir but sliced the delivery towards Qamran Iqbal at short cover-point, ending his 36-ball innings.
The J&K bowling attack shared the wickets as the hosts prevented Rest of India from building a substantial first-innings total despite the absence of key players, including Auqib Nabi.
In reply, J&K lost opener Shubham Singh Pundir for one, leaving the hosts at 21 for one at stumps.
Qamran Iqbal was unbeaten on 12, while Umar Nazir Mir, promoted as a nightwatchman, was unbeaten on four.
J&K will resume their first innings on Friday, trailing Rest of India by 216 runs.
The opening day also saw BCCI president and former Jammu and Kashmir cricketer Mithun Manhas attend the match at the venue.
The Irani Cup is being played from October 1 to 5 and marks the first time the domestic fixture has been hosted in Srinagar, with the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy champions J&K facing Rest of India.
The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association has made free passes available to the general public on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to seating capacity.
Scorecard for Day 1: Rest of India 237 all out (68.1 overs); J&K 21/1 (7 overs), trailing by 216 runs.
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