Vidarbha vs Andhra Ranji Trophy 2024-25, Elite Group B

Vidarbha secured a thrilling 74-run win against Andhra in their Elite Group B encounter of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur. Atharva Taide’s superb century in the second innings, combined with key contributions from the Vidarbha bowling unit, led the team to a memorable victory. Taide's all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award as Vidarbha bagged full points from the match.

Vidarbha's First Innings: Early Collapse

• Vidarbha struggled in their first innings, managing only 118 all out. Akshay Wadkar (46)* stood out as the lone fighter in a disappointing batting display.
• Andhra’s bowlers, led by KV Sasikanth (3/31) and Lalith Mohan (2/18), kept the pressure on, bundling out Vidarbha cheaply.

Andhra's Response: A Slight Lead

• Andhra responded with 167 all out in their first innings, taking a 49-run lead. Abhishek Reddy (68) and Shaik Rasheed (56) were the main contributors.
• Vidarbha's Harsh Dubey (4/52) and Akshay Wakhare (4/10) played pivotal roles in restricting Andhra’s batting lineup, preventing them from building a massive lead.

Vidarbha's Second Innings: Atharva Taide Leads the Charge

• Vidarbha’s second innings was highlighted by a magnificent 118 from Atharva Taide, who led the way with solid support from Aman Mokhade (53) and Danish Malewar (61).
• The hosts posted a substantial total of 366 all out, setting Andhra a challenging target of 318 runs.
• Tripurana Vijay (4/98) and Lalith Mohan (3/114) were the pick of the bowlers for Andhra, but Vidarbha’s batsmen managed to build a strong lead.

Andhra's Second Innings: Vidarbha’s Bowlers Seal the Victory

• Andhra made a valiant effort in their chase, with Abhishek Reddy (78) and Shaik Rasheed (74) putting up a solid fight.
• However, Vidarbha's bowlers, led by Aditya Thakare (4/47) and Harsh Dubey (4/69), ensured that Andhra was bowled out for 243, falling 74 runs short of the target.
• Despite some resistance from the middle order, Andhra’s wickets fell at crucial moments, sealing Vidarbha's hard-fought victory.

Match Summary

Vidarbha 1st Innings: 118 all out (38.5 overs)
Top Performers: Akshay Wadkar 46*, Atharva Taide 17
Best Bowlers: KV Sasikanth 3/31, L Mohan 2/18

Andhra 1st Innings: 167 all out (64.1 overs)
Top Performers: Abhishek Reddy 68, Shaik Rasheed 56
Best Bowlers: Harsh Dubey 4/52, Akshay Wakhare 4/10

Vidarbha 2nd Innings: 366 all out (102.1 overs)
Top Performers: Atharva Taide 118, Danish Malewar 61, Aman Mokhade 53
Best Bowlers: Tripurana Vijay 4/98, L Mohan 3/114

Andhra 2nd Innings: 243 all out (86.4 overs)
Top Performers: Abhishek Reddy 78, Shaik Rasheed 74
Best Bowlers: Aditya Thakare 4/47, Harsh Dubey 4/69

Result

• Vidarbha won by 74 runs.

Key Performer of the Match

• Atharva Taide was named Player of the Match for his brilliant century in the second innings, which was instrumental in setting up the victory for Vidarbha.

Vidarbha’s collective team effort, highlighted by Taide’s outstanding performance and a disciplined bowling attack, ensured a crucial win in this Ranji Trophy clash, strengthening their position in Elite Group B.