Defending champions Vidarbha have been knocked out of the Ranji Trophy 2025-2026 despite securing a four-wicket win over Uttar Pradesh. Despite amassing 31 points over seven games, Vidarbha finished third in Group A. They were edged out by Andhra and Jharkhand, who both finished with the same point total but secured the two available quarterfinal spots due to superior net run rates.
The match itself saw Vidarbha display resilience after ending day three in a precarious position at 91 for 4. Chasing a target of 201, they maintained their composure on Sunday to reach 202 for 6 in 58.2 overs. The chase was spearheaded by opener Aman Mokhade, who played a sophisticated knock of 83, while Danish Malewar provided crucial momentum with a quick-fire 54.
On the bowling side for Uttar Pradesh, Shivam Sharma proved to be a significant hurdle. The left-arm orthodox spinner delivered an impressive performance, taking 4 for 55 and keeping the contest competitive until the final runs were scored. Ultimately, while Vidarbha walked away with the match win, the narrow margin of the group standings brought their title defense to an early end.
Andhra clinched the top spot in Group A following a strategic draw against Nagaland in their final group fixture at Sovima. Nagaland showed significant resolve in their second innings, recovering from an overnight score of 85 for 4 to post a total of 342. This comeback was fueled by wicketkeeper Chetan Bisht, who struck a disciplined 100 off 181 deliveries, and Nagaho Chishi, who contributed a solid 79. Faced with a target of 173, Andhra chose a conservative approach, ending at 64 for 4 after 8.3 overs; they prioritized the draw, knowing it was the safest path to guarantee their position at the head of the table.
Meanwhile, in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand secured the second quarterfinal berth from the group with a decisive four-wicket victory over Odisha. After Odisha’s second innings concluded at 226, Jharkhand was tasked with a target of 246 for the win. They reached the total in 71.3 overs, led by half-centuries from opener Sharandeep Singh (64) and Robin Minz (63), along with a vital 45 from Anukul Roy. This victory allowed Jharkhand to edge out Vidarbha on net run rate, ending the defending champions' season and confirming Jharkhand's progression to the knockouts.
In a match with no bearing on the quarterfinal standings, Tamil Nadu and Baroda concluded their season with a high-scoring but tame draw. Tamil Nadu resumed their innings at 411 for 7 and were eventually bowled out for 449, highlighted by a massive 182-run knock from opener Vimal Kumar. Baroda’s openers took the opportunity to finish the tournament on a high note, reaching 124 without loss before the match was called. Shivalik Sharma remained unbeaten on 59, while Jyotsnil Singh finished with 55 not out.