Cricket at Kalyani turned into Bengal’s playground during the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Elite quarterfinal. Dismissing Andhra for 295, Bengal racked up 629 for a whopping 334-run lead. Andhra’s second innings stuttered to 64 for 3 by day four’s close, 270 shy and facing innings defeat.
The final day promises Bengal a straightforward passage to semis against Jammu & Kashmir, fresh off a 56-run win over Madhya Pradesh.
Bhui led Andhra’s first dig with 83, as Bharat (47) and Rashid (46) chipped in. Yet, Mukesh Kumar (5 wickets), Akash Deep (4), and Shami (1) orchestrated collapse.
Bengal’s reply was brutal: Gharami bludgeoned 299 with ferocious boundaries and sixes, Habib (95), Gupta (81), and Shami (53) piled on. Rashid’s 4-fer offered brief resistance.
In pursuit, Gyaneswar fell for 20, Reddy for 5, Rashid for 8; Bhui (18*) persists amid ruins.
Bengal’s strategy—aggressive bowling, expansive batting—has Andhra cornered. This performance revives memories of their storied Ranji past, positioning them as favorites for deeper glory.