Photo via India Today

Irani Cup 2026, Day 1: Rishabh Pant fails as J&K restrict Rest of India to 237

Fast bowlers completely dominated the opening day of the Irani Cup as Jammu and Kashmir bundled out Rest of India for 237 runs in Srinagar. Shikhar Mohan and Ravichandran Smaran both compiled half-centuries, while Sarfaraz Khan contributed 45 runs before a middle-order collapse occurred.

Making his return to red-ball cricket, Rishabh Pant struggled during his 36-ball stay and was dismissed for just 15 runs. Sunil Kumar, Umar Nazir Mir, and Lone Nasir spearheaded the bowling attack for the hosts.

In response to the first-innings total, Jammu and Kashmir experienced a difficult start under the lights at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium. Quick strikes from fast bowlers Akash Deep and Mukesh Choudhary left the batting side reeling at 21 for the loss of two wickets by stumps.

The home team currently trails by 216 runs heading into the second day of the fixture.

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