Ranji Trophy semis: J&K, Uttarakhand aim to topple giants

The Ranji Trophy 2025-26 heads into a thrilling stage as first-time semifinalists Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand prepare to take on domestic powerhouses Bengal and Karnataka in high-stakes clashes starting Sunday.

Jammu & Kashmir reached their maiden semifinal with a 56-run win over Madhya Pradesh , while Bengal cruised past Andhra by an innings and 90 runs , setting up a classic underdog-versus-favourite showdown at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani.

In the other semifinal at Lucknow’s Ekana Cricket Stadium , Uttarakhand stormed past Jharkhand by an innings and six runs , while Karnataka edged defending champions Mumbai by four wickets , promising another high-profile clash.

While Bengal and Karnataka enter as favourites, the momentum, belief, and resilience shown by J&K and Uttarakhand make these semifinals highly anticipated, with fans expecting thrilling, unpredictable battles.