Anantapur, January 25: In a commanding display in the Ranji Trophy, Andhra Pradesh crushed Vidarbha by 8 wickets, chasing down a challenging target of 259 runs with remarkable ease. Sheikh Rashid’s masterful unbeaten 132 was the cornerstone of this victory, propelling his team to a convincing triumph.
The chase began shakily for Andhra, losing Abhishek Reddy for 11 with the score at a precarious 15. But captain S Bharat and Rashid steadied the innings with a crucial 99-run stand for the second wicket. Bharat fell for 43, yet the momentum was firmly with Andhra.
What followed was a clinical unbroken partnership of 145 runs between Rashid and skipper Ricky Bhui. Rashid anchored the innings, facing 144 balls and smashing 21 fours in his unbeaten knock. Bhui complemented him brilliantly, remaining not out on 64 with 7 fours and 2 sixes.
Vidarbha’s Nachiket Bhute picked up both wickets, but it was scant consolation. Earlier, Vidarbha had won the toss and batted first, posting 295 thanks to Yash Rathod’s 115. Andhra replied with 228, handing Vidarbha a 67-run lead.
In their second dig, Vidarbha folded for 191, setting Andhra the 259-run target. The home side made light work of it, ending Vidarbha’s 16-match unbeaten streak in first-class cricket—their first loss since the 2023/24 Ranji final.
This win boosts Andhra’s campaign, with Rashid’s heroics likely to be remembered as a defining moment in the tournament.