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Athish's 88 Powers TN, Andhra Nears Win in Ranji Trophy Day 3 Action

Tamil Nadu opener S.R. Athish scored a career-best 88 to help set Odisha a formidable target of 455 runs for victory. Andhra Pradesh, requiring 259 runs to win, closed Day 3 at 93/1, needing 166 more with K.S. Bharat and Shaik Rasheed at the crease. Vidarbha was bowled out for 191 in their second innings, with Yash Rathod's 56 being the lone resistance. Uttar Pradesh faces a certain heavy defeat, trailing Jharkhand by 316 runs with only three wickets remaining in their second innings.

Key Points: Ranji Trophy: TN, Andhra Chase Wins on Day 3

  • Athish hits career-best 88
  • TN sets Odisha 455 target
  • Andhra needs 166 runs to win
  • UP trails by 316, faces heavy defeat
2 min read

Ranji Trophy: Athish's 88 leads TN's charge for a win, Andhra inch closer to victory

S.R. Athish scores 88 for Tamil Nadu, Andhra needs 166 runs for victory, and Uttar Pradesh faces defeat in latest Ranji Trophy updates.

"Athish...looked far more assured in his second knock - Match Report"

Bhubaneswar, Jan 24

Tamil Nadu opener S.R. Athish struck a career-best 88 to anchor his side's charge for victory on Day Three of their Elite Group A clash against Odisha in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 at the KIIT Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

Athish, who had made a scratchy maiden fifty in the first innings, looked far more assured in his second knock, while Sonu Yadav built on his maiden five-wicket haul with a brisk 74 as Tamil Nadu were bowled out for 316, setting Odisha a daunting target of 455. At stumps, Odisha were at 47/2 in 15.3 overs, with a win for Tamil Nadu looking a possibility.

Meanwhile, in Anantapur, Andhra strengthened their push for the quarterfinals by closing the day's play at 93/1 against Vidarbha. Andhra need 166 more runs with K.S. Bharat and Shaik Rasheed unbeaten on 27 and 50 respectively in an unbroken 78-run stand.

Vidarbha, the recent Vijay Hazare Trophy winners, will rue their failure to post a bigger total after being bowled out for 191 in their second innings. Yash Rathod top-scored with 56 but lacked support from the other end as Andhra's bowlers, led by K. Saiteja's four wickets, dismantled the visitors.

Nitish Kumar Reddy, Saurabh Kumar, and Tripurana Vijay chipped in with crucial strikes to keep Andhra in control. With the bright start they had to their chase, Andhra will fancy their chances of chasing the target on the final day.

Meanwhile, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh ended the day's play at 69/7 in 23 overs and trail Jharkhand by 316 runs. Uttar Pradesh was forced to follow on after being bowled out for 176 in their first innings in response to Jharkhand's 561/6 declared. Madhav Kaushik (9) and Vipraj Nigam (1) are at the crease, but a heavy defeat is inevitable for Uttar Pradesh.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Andhra's chase looks very promising. Bharat and Rasheed have steadied the ship beautifully after the early wicket. 166 runs with 9 wickets in hand on the final day should be very achievable. Their bowling performance was key too.
V
Vikram M
Sonu Yadav is having a dream match! A fifer and then a quickfire 74? That's an all-round performance of the highest quality. Players like him are the backbone of domestic cricket. Hope the selectors are watching.
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Priya S
Poor show from Uttar Pradesh, yaar. Following on and then 69/7? That's just not acceptable at this level. They need to seriously introspect. Meanwhile, Jharkhand's declaration looks absolutely masterful now.
K
Karthik V
The real story is Andhra's push for the quarters. Beating a strong Vidarbha side would be a huge statement. Saiteja with four wickets was brilliant. The domestic circuit is so competitive this season!
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Michael C
While the focus is on the batters, let's not forget the bowlers who set up these victories. Setting a target of 455 doesn't happen without bowling the opposition out cheaply first. A good day for Indian cricket's depth.

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