Andhra failed to reach their first semi-final

Madhya Pradesh defeated Andhra in a thrilling match.

In a game that swung wildly in both directions in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, the champions of 2021-22 held their nerve to inflict heartbreak on Andhra and enter the Ranji Trophy semi-finals. Fast bowler Anubhav Agarwal played a key role in their defence of 170, picking up career-best figures of 6 for 52 as Andhra were bowled out for 165 while chasing 170.

Andhra's dreams of a maiden semi-final berth looked possible at 112 for 4. But Agarwal opened the game with wickets in successive overs. Agarwal took the wicket of Karan Shinde through lbw and then dismissed Hanuma Vihari, the captain, who was caught behind. Until then, Vihari had looked assured at the crease. He made a stunning 55 off 136 balls. When Agarwal dismissed Shoaib Khan for a first-ball duck, Andhra were 118 for 7, still 52 runs away from their target.

All-rounder Ashwin Hebbar battled hard, adding 32 runs for the ninth wicket with fast bowler Girinath Reddy. Before Agarwal returned to dismiss Girinath, the pair batted out 13 overs to frustrate MP.

The last wicket was taken by Kulwant Khejroliya, the new left-arm fast bowler import, when he dismissed Hebbar for 22. MP managed to win the game despite being bowled out for only 107 runs in the second innings.

Himanshu Mantri, the wicketkeeper, showed great determination and scored 43 runs, which was crucial to achieving this modest total. In the overall context, Agarwal's scores of 49 and 43 were massively significant, despite him being named Player of the Match for his haul of 9 for 85.

Andhra would reflect on several moments when they seemed to have the upper hand. Only to relinquish it. In the first innings, they bundled out MP for 234 but couldn't capitalise with the bat. They were 62 runs behind.

Then Nitish Reddy and KV Sasikanth stormed back, picking up seven wickets between them, and MP was skittled for 107. However, they collapsed again in the second innings.