Ranji Trophy 2026/27 Round Four: Upsets and Thrilling Finishes
Tripura stuns Saurashtra while Hyderabad secures a dramatic one-wicket victory in domestic action.
1Tripura Secures Historic Upset
Tripura achieved a significant result by defeating domestic powerhouse Saurashtra in Group B. Sandip Sarkar played a pivotal role, claiming four wickets for 81 runs during the second innings. This victory marks a notable shift in the group dynamics, as Saurashtra struggled to counter the disciplined bowling attack throughout the match.
2Hyderabad's Dramatic One-Wicket Win
Hyderabad secured a thrilling victory against Chhattisgarh by chasing down a target of 259 runs with only one wicket remaining. At 220-9, the situation appeared dire, but Aniketh Reddy remained unbeaten on 39 to guide his team home. This narrow win highlights the competitive nature of the current Ranji Trophy season.
3Dominant Innings Victories Recorded
Several teams asserted dominance with innings-margin wins during the fourth round. Vidarbha defeated Madhya Pradesh by an innings and 20 runs, while Goa dismantled Bihar by an innings and 177 runs. Additionally, Gujarat hammered Kerala by an innings and 58 runs, fueled by Urvil Patel’s unbeaten 210 and Arzan Nagwaswalla’s eight-wicket haul.
4Spinners Dominate Final Days
Spin bowling proved decisive across multiple venues as matches reached their conclusion. Ajith Ram claimed 7 for 48 to lead Tamil Nadu to victory against Chandigarh. Meanwhile, Satyajeet Bachhav delivered a masterclass for Sikkim, taking 6-50 and 7-33 across two innings to secure a 201-run win over Manipur in the Plate group.
5High-Scoring Draws and Resilience
Despite aggressive play, several matches ended in draws due to batting resilience. Uttar Pradesh posted 492 runs but settled for a draw against Baroda, while Pondicherry held firm against Jammu Kashmir’s massive 555-6 total. Shaik Rasheed’s 176 for Andhra against Punjab further underscored the batting talent currently on display in the tournament.
6Mumbai Maintains Winning Momentum
Mumbai continued their strong campaign by defeating Railways by 106 runs. Shams Mulani contributed significantly with 4 for 69 on the final day, while Tanush Kotian finished the match with an impressive nine-wicket haul. Their collective performance ensured Mumbai remained in control despite a spirited effort from the Railways batting lineup.
7Plate Group Results Overview
All three matches in the Plate group produced decisive results, reflecting the intense competition at this level. Nagaland defeated Meghalaya by 122 runs, and Mizoram secured an innings victory over Arunachal Pradesh. Bobby Zothansanga’s five-wicket haul for Mizoram proved essential in closing out the game after Chinmay Sutar’s massive first-innings score.
8Tournament Context and Outlook
The fourth round of the 2026/27 Ranji Trophy showcased a blend of individual brilliance and team grit. With several outright victories and narrow finishes, the group standings remain fluid. Teams are now preparing for the next phase, where consistency in both batting and bowling will determine their path to the knockout stages.
Original article: Wisden — Ranji Trophy 2026/27 Round Four: Upsets and Thrilling Finishes