Srinagar, Oct 21: Abdul Samad made history for Jammu and Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy on October 21, becoming the first J&K batter to score two centuries in a single match in the premier domestic tournament.
The 22-year-old dominated Odisha at Barabati Stadium, leading his team to a strong position on the final day. In the second innings, Samad smashed 108 off 108 balls, including six sixes and five boundaries, helping J&K declare at 270 for 7. Odisha were set a challenging target of 269, but struggled, falling to 14 for 3 after 10 overs.
Earlier, in the first innings, Samad had scored a brisk 127 from 117 balls, hitting nine sixes and six boundaries, as J&K posted 270. His stellar performance was a stark contrast to the rest of the team, as no other J&K batter managed to score more than 50 in either inning.
Samad’s twin centuries against Odisha come at a crucial time with the IPL 2025 retention deadline approaching. Having been previously retained by SunRisers Hyderabad, Samad’s impressive Ranji form could attract attention ahead of the IPL mega auction in November. He has already scored 276 runs in the 2023-24 Ranji season, including one century and one fifty. (KNS).