Ranji Trophy Group A Drama: Defending Champs Vidarbha Out on NRR; Andhra & Jharkhand Storm to Quarters

Heartbreak for title holders Vidarbha, who beat UP by 4 wkts but tumbled to 3rd on NRR despite 31pts from 7 games – Andhra (31pts, best NRR) topped, Jharkhand (31pts) pipped them for 2nd in nailbiting Elite Group A finale Sunday. Draws elsewhere confirmed knockout duo.

Vidarbha's Win Not Enough vs UP

Nagpur: UP 237+200. Vidarbha matched 237 1st, chased 201 (58.2 ovs, 6 wkts).

  • Aman Mokhade 83 (150b,10x4), Danish Malewar 54 (89b).
    UP: Shivam Sharma 4/55. Vidarbha 6pts; still out.

Andhra Cautious Draw Tops Table

Sovima vs Nagaland: Andhra 536/9d (1st). Nagaland 366+342 (Chetan Bisht 100/181, Nagaho 79).
Andhra 64/4 (8.3 ovs, chasing 173 safe). Vijay 5/104. Andhra 3pts, #1 NRR.

Jharkhand's Chase Edges Quarters

Jamshedpur vs Odisha: Odisha 282+226 (Subhranshu 73). Jharkhand 263+249/6 (71.3 ovs, chase 246).

  • Shranadeep 64, Robin Minz 63, Anukul Roy 45* + 5/72.
    Odisha: Tufayl 4/101. Jharkhand 6pts, NRR sneaks past Vidarbha.

Tame Tamil Nadu-Baroda Draw

Salem: TN 449 (Vimal 182). Baroda 375+124/0 (Shivalik 59*, Jyotsnil 55*). TN 3pts, Baroda 1. Out already.

Group A Final Standings & Briefs

Team

Pts

NRR

Status

Andhra

31

Best

1st, QF

Jharkhand

31

+ve

2nd, QF

Vidarbha

31

Lower

3rd, Out

Briefs:

  • Vidarbha 237 & 201/6 bt UP 237 & 200 (4 wkts).

  • Nagaland 366 & 342 d Andhra 536/9d & 64/4.

  • Odisha 282 & 226 lost to Jharkhand 263 & 249/6 (4 wkts).

  • Baroda 375 & 124/0 d TN 449.

Upsets galore; Andhra-Jharkhand quarters charge as Vidarbha title defence crumbles on tiebreaker heartbreak.