Irani Cup 2026, Day 4 Highlights: Rest of India Defeat Jammu and Kashmir by 167 Runs to Lift the Title

Rest of India produced a sensational bowling performance to defeat Jammu and Kashmir by 167 runs on Day 4 of the 2026-27 Irani Cup in Srinagar on Sunday. Despite taking a 41-run first-innings lead, the reigning Ranji Trophy champions failed to chase down the target of 279 runs and were bowled out for just 111. Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep led the charge as Rest of India secured the prestigious title.

Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep Lead the Bowling Attack

Jammu and Kashmir began their chase with confidence, as openers Shubham Khajuria and Qamran Iqbal added 54 runs for the first wicket. Both batters scored 32 runs, giving the hosts a promising start.

However, Akash Deep broke the opening partnership by dismissing Iqbal. Mukesh Kumar then changed the course of the match by removing Shubham Pundir and captain Paras Dogra in quick succession.

Jammu and Kashmir reached 89/3 at lunch, but their innings collapsed dramatically after the break. Khajuria was dismissed by Akash Deep, and the remaining batters struggled against the disciplined pace attack.

Mukesh Kumar finished with outstanding figures of 6/33, while Akash Deep claimed three wickets for 25 runs. Their combined effort helped Rest of India bowl out Jammu and Kashmir for 111 in 28.4 overs.

Ravichandran Smaran’s Century Proves Crucial

Rest of India’s victory was built on a determined second-innings performance by Ravichandran Smaran. After scoring 68 in the first innings, Smaran produced another impressive knock, scoring 135 runs in the second innings.

Rest of India had been dismissed for 237 in their first innings, while Jammu and Kashmir responded with 278 to take a 41-run lead.

In the second innings, Smaran rescued Rest of India after the team lost wickets at regular intervals. His century helped the visitors reach 319, setting Jammu and Kashmir a target of 279 runs.

Smaran also shared a valuable ninth-wicket partnership with Mukesh Choudhary, helping Rest of India recover from 197/8 and establish a match-winning position.

Irani Cup 2026: Match Summary

• Rest of India: 237 and 319
• Jammu and Kashmir: 278 and 111
• Target: 279 runs
• Result: Rest of India won by 167 runs.
• Top performer with the bat: Ravichandran Smaran (135 in the second innings)
• Top performer with the ball: Mukesh Kumar (6/33 in the second innings)

Rest of India Clinch Another Irani Cup Title

The victory secured Rest of India’s 31st Irani Cup title, including one shared title, and marked their third triumph in the last five seasons. Jammu and Kashmir had entered the contest as reigning Ranji Trophy champions, but Rest of India’s second-innings recovery and outstanding pace bowling proved decisive.

The result was a memorable achievement for Rest of India, with Smaran’s resilience and the performances of Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep emerging as the defining highlights of the four-day contest.