Uttarakhand Set Andhra a 321-Run Target as Bowlers Dominate in Ranji Trophy Clash

In an intense Ranji Trophy Group B match, Uttarakhand set a 321-run target for Andhra after a day dominated by bowlers on the third day of play in Vizianagaram. Both sides saw impressive performances from their bowling units, with a total of 16 wickets falling throughout the day. By stumps, Andhra stood at 8/1, needing another 313 runs to chase down the target and secure a victory.

Starting the day at 92/4, Andhra’s first innings wrapped up for a mere 146 runs, trailing Uttarakhand’s first-innings score of 338 by a significant 210 runs. Hanuma Vihari, a former Indian all-rounder, top-scored for Andhra with a cautious 43 off 91 balls, while opener Abhishek Reddy contributed 35 runs off 64 balls. Left-arm spinner Mayank Mishra was the standout performer for Uttarakhand, supported by Deepak Dhapola, Abhay Negi, and Swapnil Singh, who each picked up two wickets as Andhra's innings ended in just 56.3 overs.

In their second innings, Uttarakhand struggled initially, losing quick wickets and finding themselves at 61/7. However, lower-order batsman Swapnil Singh held his ground, scoring a crucial 39 off 90 balls. His partnership of 41 runs with Deepak Dhapola for the ninth wicket added valuable runs, allowing Uttarakhand to declare at 128/9 in 49 overs.

Cheepurapalli Stephen and KV Sasikanth led Andhra’s bowling attack, each claiming three wickets, while Lalith Mohan, who had earlier picked up four wickets in the first innings, added two more to his tally.

As the day ended, Deepak Dhapola struck again by dismissing Abhishek Reddy early in Andhra’s second innings, leaving the hosts with a steep task on the final day at Dr. PVG Raju ACA Sports Complex.