Jammu and Kashmir produced a superb bowling performance to dismiss Rest of India for 237 on the opening day of the Irani Cup in Srinagar.

Medium-pacer Sunil Kumar took three wickets for 36 runs, while the rest of the attack chipped in to keep the star-studded opposition in check. Smaran top-scored for Rest of India with 68.

In reply, J&K were 21 for two at stumps on day one, trailing by 216 runs. The match is being played at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium, hosting top-tier cricket for the first time in nearly 40 years.

The five-day fixture, from October 1 to 5, is a landmark for cricket in the region. A large crowd turned up to watch the home team take on the Rest of India side.

J&K’s bowlers used the early autumn conditions well, moving the ball both ways. The hosts will look to their batters to build a first-innings lead on day two and push for a famous result against the domestic champions.