Andhra struggling to avoid innings defeat against MP in Ranji Trophy match

Indore: Madhya Pradesh spinner Ankit Sharma took a 10-wicket haul in two innings as Andhra were bundled out for a mere 56 in the first innings and then finished day two on 159 for five while following on in a Group B Ranji Trophy cricket match here today.

Andhra still need 64 more runs with five wickets in hand to make MP bat again.

Resuming on 261 for nine, MP added 18 runs to their overnight score to be all out for 279 in their first innings.

In reply, Andhra batsmen had a disastrous outing with Ankit (6/17) getting rid of the top and middle order.

None of the visiting team batsmen except K Ashwin Hebbar (13) could reach the double-digit mark.

Following on, Andhra faltered yet again, losing five wickets in 48 overs with Ankit (4/65) doing the bulk of the damage this time around as well.

However, skipper Mohammad Kaif played a responsible knock of 51, while DB Prasanth Kumar (49) and AG Pradeep (36 not out) also chipped in with crucial runs to keep Andhra afloat.

At stumps, NJ Sai Krishna (13 not out) was at the crease along with Pradeep.

Brief scores:

Madhya Pradesh 1st innings: 279

Andhra: 56 (Ankit Sharma 6/17) & 159 for five (f/o) in 48 overs (Mohammad Kaif 51, DB Prasanth Kumar 49; Ankit Sharma 4/65).