Ranji Trophy 2024: Ricky Bhui's century keeps Andhra Pradesh in the match; Bengal set to lose their first-inning lead

Bengal finished day 2 of their Ranji Trophy 2024 campaign opener on a great note but Andhra Pradesh fought back on day 3 to keep themselves alive at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA VDCA Cricket Stadium in Vizag. Debutant Mohammad Kaif's fiery spell couldn't help Bengal as they only have a 70-run lead now before going into day 4 of their Ranji Trophy 2024 opener against Andhra Pradesh.

Despite losing the important wicket of Hanuma Vihari at the end of the first session, Bhui kept pushing forward and ultimately kept his side very much alive in the match. Bengal could only manage to take 3 wickets on day 3 as Andhra made 210 runs courtesy of Ricky Bhui's superb century.

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Andhra Pradesh started slowly as Ricky Bhui was a new batsman on the crease at the start of day 3. Bhui then formed an impressive 87-run partnership with Hanuma Vihari before Akash Deep sent Vihari to the dressing room. Hanuma played his natural game and scored a half-century but couldn't help Bhui more.

Bhui played according to the situation. He is known for his aggressiveness as he loves to counterattack the bowlers which is needed sometimes in red-ball cricket but not in this situation. The game was stable but if Andhra had to come closer to Bengal's score, then Bhui had to play sincerely and he did just that. It took Bhui 233 balls to reach his 15th First-Class hundred and Andhra came 70 runs closer to Bengal's 409.

After Vihari's fall, Andhra Pradesh lost another wicket, right after the start of session 2 and it was Ishan Porel who came up with the wicket. Bengal made a comeback but couldn't capitalize on that as Bhui then added a 71-run partnership with Nitish Kumar for the 6th wicket. Kaif bagged his second Ranji Trophy wicket by dismissing Nitish for 30 runs but Bhui then used Shoaib brilliantly and added 61 runs for the 7th wicket which will continue on day 4 as both batters are not out and are playing without any hesitation.

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Bhui knew he had to form partnership after partnership if his side had to reach anywhere close to Bengal's score and he delivered. The debutant, Moammad Kaif bowled beautifully his 25 overs, giving away only 37 runs. He showed his class and picked his second wicket of the match but it couldn't help Bengal too much.

Bengal are still leading by 70 runs and they have to break the partnership between Shoaib and Bhui right after the resumption of the match on day 4 if they want to save any of their lead. But both batters are looking solid with Bhui not out on 107 and Shoaib nearing his half-century and batting on 31.