Bengal Beats Andhra in Ranji Quarters on Gharami's 299

In the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani on February 9, 2026, Bengal batter Sudip Gharami fell agonizingly one run short of a triple century, scoring 299 in a marathon innings that propelled his team to a decisive victory over Andhra Pradesh by an innings and 90 runs.

Gharami, a 26-year-old left-hander batting at number three, walked in after the first wicket fell on the second afternoon and anchored Bengal's response to Andhra's first-innings total of 295. Facing 596 deliveries over 99.2 overs, he struck 31 fours and six sixes, enduring nearly two full days at the crease. His dismissal came when he was bowled by Andhra's Sheikh Rasheed, leaving the crowd to give him a standing ovation as he departed. Bengal's innings stretched to 199.1 overs before they were all out for 629, securing a commanding lead of 334 runs.

The knock marked Gharami's career-best score and his first double century in 38 first-class matches, surpassing his previous high of 186. It also etched his name into cricket history as the first Indian to be dismissed for exactly 299 in first-class cricket, joining New Zealand's Martin Crowe, who scored 299 in a 1990-91 Test...