Andhra Poised for Victory: 166 Runs Away from Ranji Trophy Triumph Against Vidarbha

In the closely contested Group ‘A’ for the quarterfinals, Andhra emerged as a strong contender for the top position, challenging the reigning champions Vidarbha during their Ranji Trophy match at Anantapur Cricket Ground on Saturday.

By the end of play, Andhra required 166 runs with nine wickets remaining in their pursuit of a 259-run target. K.S. Bharat and Shaik Rasheed were solid at the crease, forging an unbeaten 78-run partnership during the final session of the third day after the early dismissal of Abhishek Reddy.

Rasheed stood out with his excellent timing, preferring precision over power during his half-century. Although Nachiket Bhute managed to take Abhishek’s wicket with a catch at gully, Vidarbha struggled to apply pressure on Bharat and Rasheed, who comfortably maneuvered the ball on a batting-friendly pitch.

Vidarbha missed an opportunity to solidify their position, having been bowled out for 191 runs within 56 overs over two sessions. Yash Rathod led their scoring with 56, supported by Aman Mokhade (51) and R. Samarth (47).

K. Saiteja spearheaded Andhra’s bowling attack with a disciplined four-wicket haul. He broke through early by dismissing nightwatchman Aditya Thakare and was well-complemented by Nitish Kumar Reddy, who captured two wickets in one over, removing Atharva Taide and Danish Malewar without scoring.

With Vidarbha teetering at 10 for three, Samarth and Mokhade steadied the innings, crafting a 92-run partnership off 128 balls for the fourth wicket despite challenging spells from Saiteja, Nitish, and K. Raju. However, left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar eventually dismissed Mokhade with a swift, low delivery.

After lunch, Saiteja returned to dismantle Samarth’s defense and trap Rohit Binkar lbw. Off-spinner Tripurana Vijay also contributed by dismissing Darshan Nalkande and having Harsh Dubey caught while driving.

Rathod attempted to push the lead beyond 250 with several boundaries, but Saurabh’s effective bowling saw Bhute stumped, leaving Rathod to attack single-handedly. Eventually, Rathod was caught at deep point off Raju as Vidarbha could only set a 258-run target.

Scores:

• Vidarbha First Innings: 295
• Andhra First Innings: 228
• Vidarbha Second Innings: 191 (Yash Rathod 56, Aman Mokhade 51, R. Samarth 47; K. Saiteja 4/28, Nitish Kumar Reddy 2/29)
• Andhra Second Innings: 93/1 in 26 overs (K.S. Bharat 27, Shaik Rasheed 50)

Published on January 24, 2026.