Published:
Rain associated with Cyclone Arnab washed out day three of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group B match between Andhra and Chhattisgarh at the DVR Ground in Mulapadu on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Chhattisgarh remain at 216 for eight in their first innings, 15 runs behind Andhra’s 231, with two wickets still in hand.
The weather interruption leaves the contest finely poised but with limited time to make up the lost overs. Chhattisgarh had moved close to Andhra’s first-innings total on Tuesday, with Amandeep Khare holding firm at the crease, before conditions deteriorated as the cyclone approached the region.
Andhra were bowled out for 231 in their first innings. Chhattisgarh’s reply reached 216 for eight after 95 overs, leaving the visitors only 15 runs short of drawing level. The remaining two wickets are significant because Chhattisgarh need to pass Andhra’s score to secure a first-innings lead.
Khare was the key figure for Chhattisgarh on the second day, finishing unbeaten on 74 from 171 balls, with seven fours. Batting at number four, he focused on defence and strike rotation as Andhra’s bowlers attempted to keep the scoring in check. His innings kept Chhattisgarh within reach of the home side’s total.
Andhra’s bowling attack applied pressure through disciplined lines and a spin-heavy approach. Reports from the second day described Andhra’s spinners using a packed off-side field to encourage the batters to play across the line. Chhattisgarh’s late-order resistance helped narrow the gap, but the innings had not yet reached a decisive point when weather stopped play.
The cyclone and its associated rainfall affected conditions across Andhra Pradesh on October 28. The persistent rain prevented the third day of the match from proceeding, adding to weather-related interruptions around the region. The interruption was part of a wider disruption caused by the storm, which brought heavy rain and strong winds to coastal and inland areas.
The loss of a full day is particularly consequential in a four-day first-class fixture. Teams need enough time to complete their first innings and create a result through a second innings, and a washout reduces the available overs for both sides. With Chhattisgarh still two wickets away from completing its first innings, the match remains dependent on how much cricket can be played over the remaining scheduled days.
Weather conditions can also affect preparation and ground recovery, even after rainfall eases. Play can resume only when the playing area is safe and suitable, with the umpires assessing the outfield and conditions before a restart. No assumption should be made about the next day’s schedule until match officials provide an update.
Andhra will want to finish Chhattisgarh’s innings quickly if play resumes, then use any remaining time to build an advantage. A first-innings lead could become important if the match loses further time, because it may influence the points available from a drawn contest under the competition’s rules.
Chhattisgarh’s immediate objective is to get past 231 and secure the first-innings lead. Khare’s presence at the crease before the washout gave the side a platform, but the lower order must complete the task if the innings continues. The difference between trailing by 15 and moving ahead could shape the tactical choices for the remainder of the match.
The match is scheduled to run from October 26 to 29, and the remaining time is now limited after the washout on day three. The next update will depend on weather and ground conditions at Mulapadu. If play becomes possible, the first priority will be to complete Chhattisgarh’s innings before the teams assess how much time remains for a result.
For now, the confirmed position is clear: Andhra made 231, Chhattisgarh are 216 for eight, and the visitors trail by 15 runs with two wickets remaining. Cyclone Arnab has interrupted the contest at a crucial stage, leaving the final day’s available play central to whether the match can produce a decisive outcome.
