Uttarakhand created cricket history on 8 February 2026. The Uttarakhand Ranji Trophy side beat Jharkhand by an innings and 6 runs in the 2025-26 quarter-final. With this win, the team reached its first-ever Ranji Trophy semi-final. The match began on 6 February at Keenan Stadium, Jamshedpur. Notably, the hosts lost their last eight wickets for just 30 runs. Hence, the result marked a major milestone for cricket in the hill state.
How Uttarakhand Beat Jharkhand
First, Jharkhand made 235 in their first innings. Aditya Singh top-scored with 83, while captain Virat Singh added 47. For Uttarakhand, Jammejay Joshi took 4 for 46 and Aditya Rawat claimed 3 for 39. Then, Uttarakhand replied with 371 and gained a lead of 136 runs. Captain Kunal Chandela scored 68, and Avesh Sudha added 64.
Jharkhand’s Second-Innings Collapse
In the second innings, Jharkhand reached 100 for 2 at one stage. However, they then lost eight wickets for only 30 runs. Finally, the side folded for 130 in 41.1 overs. Mayank Mishra led the attack with 5 for 22. Meanwhile, Abhay Negi took 4 for 36. As a result, Mishra finished with eight wickets in the match and won the Player of the Match award.
Chief Minister Hails the Team
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami congratulated the players. He said, “The players achieved this milestone through strong teamwork, discipline, and outstanding performance.”
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Uttarakhand then met Karnataka in the semi-final at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow. Karnataka piled up 736, with Devdutt Padikkal scoring 232. In reply, Uttarakhand made 233. So, when the match ended in a draw on 19 February 2026, Karnataka advanced on the first-innings lead. Later, Jammu and Kashmir won their maiden Ranji Trophy title against Karnataka in Hubballi.
About the Uttarakhand Cricket Team
In July 2018, the BCCI named Uttarakhand among nine new teams for the 2018-19 season. So, the side reached the last four within eight seasons of its debut.
Uttarakhand Ranji Trophy: Key Facts for Revision
- Result: Beat Jharkhand by an innings and 6 runs
- Stage and venue: Quarter-final, Keenan Stadium, Jamshedpur
- Scores: Jharkhand 235 and 130; Uttarakhand 371
- Captain: Kunal Chandela
- Player of the Match: Mayank Mishra (eight wickets)
- Semi-final: Drawn with Karnataka in Lucknow; Karnataka advanced
Why Uttarakhand Ranji Trophy Matters for UKPSC
Notably, state sports milestones often appear in UKPSC current affairs questions. So, remember the margin, the venue and the captain. Also, link this run with the state’s young cricket set-up, which began in 2018. For official updates, also visit BCCI. Next, for a related story, read about Uttarakhand medalists at the Commonwealth Games 2026. You can also download our free Uttarakhand Current Affairs magazine.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.