Uttar Pradesh snapped a two-match losing streak in emphatic fashion on Thursday, registering a comprehensive 40-run victory over Chandigarh in a Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy pool league encounter at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens. The win, built on a powerful batting display and disciplined bowling, keeps UP's hopes alive for a knockout stage berth.
UP's Batting Powerhouse on Display
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Uttar Pradesh posted a formidable total of 212 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings recovered brilliantly from an early jolt when opener Aryan Juyal was dismissed for a duck. A swift 54-run partnership between Madhav Kaushik and Siddharth Yadav (28) off just 28 balls provided the initial momentum.
The cornerstone of the innings, however, was a magnificent 86-run stand for the third wicket between Madhav Kaushik and the explosive Sameer Rizvi. The duo took just 54 deliveries to compile their partnership, with both batsmen contributing 42 runs each during their time together at the crease. Kaushik top-scored with a blistering 67 runs off 41 balls, which included seven boundaries and two sixes, before falling to Sandeep Sharma.
Rizvi carried on the assault, playing a fluent innings of 70 runs from 44 deliveries, decorated with six fours and three maximums. A late cameo from Rinku Singh, who smashed 24 runs off a mere 10 balls, provided the final flourish to propel UP past the 210-run mark. For Chandigarh, Sandeep Sharma was the pick of the bowlers, claiming four wickets.
Chandigarh's Chase Falls Short Despite Vohra's Effort
In response, Chandigarh's chase never truly gained the required momentum and they finished at 172 for 8, falling well short of the target. The experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar gave UP a dream start with the new ball, removing Chandigarh captain Arjun Azad (1) and Nehal Pajni (0) in quick succession to leave the opposition reeling at 19 for 2.
Chandigarh's strongest resistance came through a fighting 81-run partnership for the third wicket between the seasoned Manan Vohra and Nikhil Thakur. Vohra played a characteristically aggressive knock, scoring 61 off 35 balls with six fours and three sixes. His dismissal by Kartik Tyagi was a crucial turning point. Thakur contributed 32 before being dismissed.
Despite a fighting, unbeaten 30 from Amrit Lal, regular wickets prevented Chandigarh from building any sustained pressure. Bhuvneshwar Kumar finished with excellent figures of 3 for 23, while Vipraj Nigam chipped in with two wickets.
Road to the Knockouts and Player of the Match
For his match-defining all-round contribution—a brilliant 70 with the bat and a crucial catch—Sameer Rizvi was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match. Speaking after the game, UP coach Arvind Kapoor expressed satisfaction with the team's performance and outlined the path ahead.
"The boys have to win the remaining two matches against Maharashtra and Bihar," Kapoor stated, emphasizing the must-win nature of their upcoming fixtures. He praised the batting duo, saying, "Sameer and Madhav batted very well and provided stability to the innings." This victory has put Uttar Pradesh back in contention for a knockout spot, setting up an exciting finale to their group stage campaign.
Brief Scores: Uttar Pradesh: 212/7 in 20 overs (Madhav Kaushik 67, Sameer Rizvi 70, Rinku Singh 24; Sandeep Sharma 4/xx). Chandigarh: 172/8 in 20 overs (Manan Vohra 61, Nikhil Thakur 32, Amrit Lal 30*; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3/23, Vipraj Nigam 2/34).
