Anubhav Agarwal ran through Andhra’s batting line-up with a six-wicket haul to propel Madhya Pradesh into the semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy following a thrilling four-run victory here on Monday.
In a low-scoring quarter final at the Holkar Stadium, the bowlers ruled the roost for the majority of the contest and despite a spirited fight from Andhra, Madhya Pradesh prevailed.
With this win, the 2021-22 champions Madhya Pradesh became the second team after Tamil Nadu to enter the semi-finals.
Andhra were bowled out for a mere 165 chasing 170 to win on the fourth day. Resuming at 95/4 and with their senior batter Hanuma Vihari on strike with 75 more needed to win, Agarwal led a stunning fightback once again for Madhya Pradesh.
Having taken three wickets in the first innings to help Madhya Pradesh take a vital lead of 62 runs, Agarwal terrorised the Andhra batters in the second innings to return figures of 6/52 from 19 overs.
Kulwant Khejroliya picked 2/40 while Kumar Kartikeya and Saransh Jain bagged one wicket apiece.
Hanuma Vihari top scored for Andhra with 55 off 136 balls.
In Mumbai, Hardik Tamore made a fine 114 as Mumbai took control against Baroda, taking an overall lead of 415 at stumps on the fourth day. A lot of credit has to go to Mumbai wicketkeeper-batter Tamore, who followed his laborious yet essential first-innings half-century with a ton, especially when he was promoted to open.
After adding 66 with Musheer Khan for the third wicket, Tamore put on 124 with Prithvi Shaw.
In Nagpur, Karnataka set up a fascinating final day with a determined effort.
Chasing 371, Karnataka were 103 for one at close with captain Mayank Agarwal (61) and KV Aneesh (1) at the crease.
Summarised scores
In Nagpur: Vidarbha 460 & 196 (Dhruv Shorey 57, Karun Nair 34; Vidwath Kaverappa 6/61, Vysakh Vijayakumar 4/81). Karnataka 286 & 103/1 in 26 overs (Mayank Agarwal 61 batting, R Samarth 40).
In Mumbai: Mumbai 384 & 379/9 (Hardik Tamore 114, Prithvi Shaw 87, Shams Mulani 54; Bhargav Bhatt 7/142). Baroda 348.
In Indore: Madhya Pradesh 234 & 107. Andhra 172 & 165 (Hanuma Vihari 55; Anubhav Agarwal 6/52). MP won by 4 runs.
