Srinagar, Oct 03: For Jammu and Kashmir all-rounder Lone Nasir Muzaffar, the historic Irani Cup encounter in Srinagar has brought a significant moment in his young first-class career, with the pacer claiming his first first-class wicket and then producing an attacking 64 to help the hosts take a 41-run lead over Rest of India.
According to the details available, Nasir, playing only his fourth first-class match, produced an all-round performance for J&K, taking three wickets in Rest of India’s first innings before scoring 64 off 58 balls to help the hosts recover from 166 for eight and post 278. The innings gave J&K a 41-run first-innings lead over Rest of India’s 237.
Speaking in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Nasir described the experience of playing in such a major match as a “very good feeling” and said he was grateful for the opportunity to contribute to his team.
“I got the opportunity to play in this match and to deliver for my team. I consider myself lucky and I am very grateful,” Nasir said.
His 64 came at a crucial stage of J&K’s innings. The hosts had slipped to 166 for eight, still 71 runs behind Rest of India’s first-innings total, when Nasir joined captain Paras Dogra at the crease.
Nasir said his approach was to play normally and take the innings deep after Dogra, who was already batting, advised him to watch the ball and play according to the situation.
He said his aim was to take J&K’s total to around 300, but added that he regretted not being able to reach that mark.
The partnership with Dogra, however, proved crucial as the pair added 64 runs for the ninth wicket before Dogra was dismissed for 75. Nasir then added another 48 with Sunil Kumar for the final wicket as J&K moved from 166 for eight to 278 all out.
Nasir eventually fell for 64 off 58 balls, with eight fours and three sixes, as J&K secured the first-innings lead. His contribution, as per KNO, had begun with the ball. Nasir claimed three wickets in Rest of India’s first innings and, according to his account in the BCCI video, his first wicket in first-class cricket came in the Irani Cup.
Recalling the moment, Nasir said he had made his first-class debut two years ago and had played two or three matches without taking a wicket. “I will remember that wicket for a long time. It is a special feeling and it is a great thing for me to get my first wicket in this big match,” he said.
Abdul Samad, who spoke with Nasir in the BCCI video, highlighted the all-rounder’s long association with J&K cricket and said he had been in the team’s scheme of things for the last five to six years.
Samad said Nasir had played through the Under-19 level and described him as a “top-level all-rounder”, while noting that he had not been getting an opportunity in the senior side in recent years.
Referring to the competition within J&K’s bowling unit, Samad mentioned Auqib Nabi, Yudhvir Singh and Umran Malik before telling Nasir that he had believed in him from the beginning. “He is a very good boy,” Samad said, encouraging Nasir to continue bowling in the same manner and contributing with the bat.
For Nasir, the Irani Cup has provided an opportunity to make an impact on a major domestic stage. His three wickets and counter-attacking 64 helped J&K turn a difficult position at 166 for eight into a 41-run first-innings advantage.
The encounter is also a historic one for J&K cricket, with Srinagar hosting the Irani Cup for the first time and the reigning Ranji Trophy champions taking on Rest of India at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium—(KNO)
