Anubhav’s six-for clinches thriller for MP to succeed in Ranji semi-finals

Madhya Pradesh 234 (Dubey 64, Mantri 49, Sasikanth 4-37) and 107 (Mantri 43, Nitish 4-28) beat Andhra 172 (Shinde 38, Anubhav 3-33, Kartikeya 3-41) and 165 (Vihari 55, Anubhav 6-52) by 4 runs

Andhra’s goals of a maiden semi-final berth appeared doable at 112 for 4, earlier than Agarwal cracked opened the sport with wickets in consecutive overs. He first had Karan Shinde lbw after which dismissed Hanuma Vihari, the captain, caught behind. Until then, Vihari had appeared assured in defence to make a stonewalling 55 off 136 balls. When Agarwal dismissed Shoaib Khan for a first-ball duck, Andhra had been 118 for 7, nonetheless 52 away.

Ashwin Hebbar, the allrounder, saved combating and added 32 for the ninth wicket with quick bowler Girinath Reddy. The pair batted out 13 overs to frustrate MP earlier than Agarwal returned to dismiss Girinath.

The last wicket was picked up by their new import, Kulwant Khejroliya, the left-arm quick bowler, when he dismissed Hebbar for 22 as MP pulled off a heist that appeared a tad troublesome once they had been shot out for 107 within the second innings.

Andhra would mirror upon a number of moments the place they appeared to have the higher hand, solely to let it slip. In the primary innings, they bundled out MP for 234, however could not capitalise with the bat as they fell behind by 62 runs.

Then they got here storming again by Nitish Reddy and KV Sasikanth, who picked up seven wickets between them, as MP had been skittled for 107, earlier than they collapsed within the second innings once more.