How Did Rasheed and Bhui's Centuries Propel Andhra to Victory Over Vidarbha?
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Synopsis
Andhra's remarkable triumph over Vidarbha in the 2025/26 Ranji Trophy not only showcases their cricketing prowess but also ends Vidarbha's unbeaten streak. With Rasheed's stunning century and Bhui's captaincy, they now lead Group A, raising the stakes for the upcoming matches. Can Andhra maintain their momentum?
Key Takeaways
- Andhra leads Elite Group A with 29 points.
- Rasheed's unbeaten 132 is a standout performance.
- Bhui's return to form boosts the team's morale.
- Vidarbha faces pressure to win their next match.
- Mumbai secures a spot in the knockouts with a dominant win.
Anantapur, Jan 25 (NationPress) Andhra surged to the pinnacle of the Elite Group A standings in the 2025/26 Ranji Trophy after securing an impressive eight-wicket victory over Vidarbha on the fourth day of play at the Anantapur Cricket Ground on Sunday.
In pursuit of 259 runs, Shaik Rasheed delivered a masterful performance, remaining unbeaten on 132, featuring 20 dazzling boundaries, guiding the hosts to victory. Captain Ricky Bhui contributed with a solid 64 not out, while K.S. Bharat added a valuable 43 runs.
Beginning their innings at 93/1, Andhra took full advantage of the favorable morning conditions. Although Bharat was dismissed by Nachiket Bhute after executing a pull shot to deep fine leg, Rasheed and Bhui formed a swift 145-run partnership off 163 balls, quashing any hopes of a Vidarbha comeback.
Bhui, who had been struggling in red-ball cricket, found his rhythm early with elegant strokes, while Rasheed relied on impeccable timing and placement to dominate the bowling attack. Rasheed's third century of the season was completed with a cut through point, and he clinched victory for Andhra with a backfoot punch that resulted in a boundary.
This outcome also marked the end of Vidarbha's remarkable 16-match unbeaten streak in first-class cricket, as they faced their first defeat in red-ball cricket since the 2023/24 Ranji Trophy final. Andhra now leads Group A with 29 points, followed closely by Jharkhand (25) and Vidarbha (25), who must secure an outright victory against Uttar Pradesh in their final match to remain in contention for knockout qualification.
In a parallel match, Mumbai solidified their position in the knockouts with a commanding nine-wicket win over Hyderabad in their Elite Group D encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, furthering their quest for a record-extending 43rd title.
Hyderabad, captained for the first time by Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj, faced a challenging outing as Mumbai enforced the follow-on and bowled them out for 302 in their second innings.
Mumbai required just 12 runs to complete the chase, which they accomplished in a mere 3.2 overs. The only blemish in an otherwise dominant performance was the dismissal of opener Akhil Herwadkar during the short chase, depriving Mumbai of a bonus point.
Point of View
Andhra's victory over Vidarbha highlights the dynamic nature of the Ranji Trophy. As teams vie for top positions, the resilience displayed by players like Rasheed and Bhui emphasizes the competitive spirit of Indian cricket. This match will certainly influence the upcoming fixtures in the tournament.
NationPress
25/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Andhra vs Vidarbha match?
Andhra defeated Vidarbha by eight wickets, chasing down a target of 259 runs.
Who were the top performers for Andhra in the match?
Shaik Rasheed scored an unbeaten 132 and Ricky Bhui contributed 64 runs.
What does this victory mean for Andhra's position in the tournament?
With this victory, Andhra has moved to the top of the Elite Group A standings with 29 points.
How did Vidarbha's unbeaten streak come to an end?
Vidarbha's 16-match unbeaten streak in first-class cricket ended with this defeat to Andhra.
What are the implications for Vidarbha in the tournament?
Vidarbha must secure an outright win against Uttar Pradesh in their final game to qualify for the knockout stages.
