MP needs a miracle to deny J&K 1st-ever semi spot after being reduced to 87 for 5 in a chase of 291

Bhopal: When Jammu and Kashmir step out for day 4 of their Ranji Trophy quarterfinal against Madhya Pradesh on Monday at Holkar stadium in Indore, they will believe they are firm favourites to grab their first-ever semifinal spot having reduced the hosts at 87 for 5 in a chase of 291. Madhya Pradesh will on the other end hope for a miracle having allowed J&K to score 291 on day 3 after having them tottering at 73 for 5 at one stage on day 2. J&K could score that much was largely due to the last-wicket stand of Vanshaj Sharma (not out 54) and Sunil Kumar (26), which added 65 runs between them. The pair, having played less than 10 first-class matches each, showed remarkable composure that was missing from J&K's senior players. Earlier, J&K resumed at 85 for five on third day and lost Kanhaiya Wadhawan (23) to Ramveer Gurjar and Abid Mushtaq (41) to Kuldeep Sen's hook trap. At this stage, it appeared that Madhya Pradesh will have a manageable score to chase. However, J&K's tail had other plans. MP captain Rajat Patidar appeared frustrated as the last-wicket pair survived 23 overs of bouncers, spin and defensive fields. Sunil's upper cut to third man ended the stand, but not before the target moved close to 300. Chasing the target, MP opener Yash Dubey got out attempting a poorly judged hook off Auqib Nabi and offered a simple catch. Harsh Gawali was dismissed by Abid Mushtaq through a brilliant full-length, one-handed caught-and-bowled. Patidar's poor run continued as he played a loose poke and edged the ball, while nightwatchman Kumar Kartikeya was bowled first ball by Nabi's yorker. Madhya Pradesh reached 87 for five, still 204 runs behind going into penultimate day, as their chase fell apart. Shubham Sharma (not out 11) and Venkatesh Iyer (not out 7) remained at the crease with Madhya Pradesh under pressure on a pitch that offered turn and seam. Madhya Pradesh's batting problems included erratic strokeplay, tactical inertia from Patidar and a collapsing middle order, leaving their home advantage at Holkar Stadium ineffective. Jammu and Kashmir's improved bowling put them in a strong position, with Madhya Pradesh needing a major partnership to stay in the match. In 2025, J&K surrendered a slim first-innings lead to Kerala in a tight quarter-final, falling just short of a historic semi-final spot. This is only the fourth time they have entered the quarter-finals in their 55 years of participation in the tournament.