Ranji Trophy: Andhra take 113-run lead over Gujarat

Vizianagaram: Andhra batsmen fired in unison to help the hosts take a 113-run first innings lead over Gujarat on the third day of their Group B Ranji Trophy match here on Saturday.

After bundling out Gujarat for 308, Andhra, riding on a century from opener Srikar Bharat (127) and half-centuries from skipper Mohammad Kaif (76), MUB Sriram (63) and D Siva Kumar (58) scored 421 all out in their first innings to take a healthy lead.

Resuming on 196 for one, Andhra added 225 more runs to the total with the loss of nine wickets in the process.

Bharat and Kaif, resuming at their respective overnight scores of 119 and 44, shared a 168-run stand together for the second wicket.

Bharat's innings came off 201 balls studded with 20 fours and a six, while Kaif took 215 deliveries for his knock that included seven hits to the fence.

The second big partnership was of 94 runs for the seventh wicket between Sriram and Siva Kumar.

For Gujarat, Rush Kalaria was the pick of the wickets with figures of five for 55.

In their second innings, Gujarat lost a wicket before the stumps were drawn at 24 for one with PK Panchal batting on 14 and Bhargav Merai unbeaten on six.

Gujarat still trail Andhra by 89 runs with nine wickets remaining.

Brief scores:

Gujarat: 308 & 24 for one in 14 overs.

Andhra 1st innings: 421 all out (Srikar Bharat 127, Mohammad Kaif 76, MUB Sriram 63, D Siva Kumar 58; Rush Kalaria 5/55).