Having excelled through the season because of their united efforts and incisive pace attacks, Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) promise an exciting Ranji Trophy semifinal clash starting at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground in Kalyani on Sunday (February 15, 2026).

Following its emphatic quarterfinal victory over Andhra, a confident Bengal will be keen to get closer to its long-cherished dream on its ‘lucky ground.’

After taming former champion Madhya Pradesh and making its maiden semifinal appearance, J&K is teeming with self-belief.

In the pace department, Bengal is blessed to have the international trio of Mohammed Shami, Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar. They offer variety and have the combined experience of 200 First Class matches. All-rounder Suraj Jaiswal, a gentle medium pacer, provides them good support.

J&K’s pace department is heavily dependent on Auqib Nabi, who has logged 46 wickets to be overall second. A proven match-winner, he has got adequate support from young left-arm pacer Sunil Kumar and Yudhvir Singh in his team’s breakthrough year.

Left-arm spinners Abid Mushtaq and Vanshaj Sharma have chipped in well.

Led by domestic legend Paras Dogra, J-K has found several contributors. Top scorer Abdul Samad (543), Dogra and Abid have led the run-gathering responsibility to complement their bowlers.

“We will keep it simple. The pitch looks good for batting. The team batting well will win,” said a positive sounding Dogra.

Bengal’s team effort has been exemplary. Sudip Gharami (651), who stood out with his knock of 299 in the quarterfinal, Sumanta Gupta and Sudip Chatterjee have led a pack of experienced run-getters.

All-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed (368 runs, 39 wickets) has consistently underlined his utility in winning matches.

“Our bowlers have done a good job till now. If our batters take responsibility, then we will be ahead in the match,” said Bengal skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran.