Uttar Pradesh's Under-16 team stands on the cusp of a massive innings victory after completely outplaying Gujarat on the second day of their Vijay Merchant Trophy match in Shimoga, Karnataka, on Tuesday. The UP bowlers, capitalizing on a mammoth first-innings total, have reduced Gujarat to a precarious 45 for 6 in their second innings, leaving the hosts still trailing by 267 runs with only four wickets in hand.
Bowlers Put Uttar Pradesh on the Brink of Victory
After declaring their first innings at a commanding 415 for 6, UP's bowling attack, led by their medium pacers, immediately went on the offensive. Prithviraj Singh and Rudra Sharma were the chief destroyers, claiming three and two wickets respectively to rip through the Gujarat top order. Aryan Tyagi also contributed with a wicket as the hosts collapsed to 37 for 6.
At the close of play, Divya Desai was fighting a lone battle, unbeaten on 16, while Ridham Patel was yet to score. The highest partnership of Gujarat's dismal second innings so far has been a mere 13 runs, underscoring the dominance of the UP attack. The visitors now need just four wickets on the final day to seal an emphatic innings win.
Century Stands Power UP to a Mammoth Total
The foundation for this dominant position was laid earlier in the day by UP's batsmen. Resuming at 118 for 2, captain Aalok Kumar and Arush Gupta extended their partnership significantly before a declaration was called. The innings was built around three key partnerships and two magnificent centuries.
One-down batsman Kamran Ali, who had retired hurt overnight, returned to smash a blistering 126 off just 148 balls. His aggressive knock was laced with seven boundaries and nine sixes. At the other end, skipper Aalok Kumar played the anchor role to perfection, compiling a patient 127 from 255 deliveries, which included 21 fours.
Their 104-run partnership was crucial after Arush Gupta was run out for 40. Kamran Ali later added quick runs in partnerships with Anay Awasthi (43) and Aarav before falling. Gujarat's Trinabh Shukla was the most successful bowler, finishing with 3 wickets for 101 runs.
Brief Scores and Looking Ahead
Gujarat 1st Innings: 103 all out.
Gujarat 2nd Innings: 45/6 (Divya Desai 16*; Prithviraj Singh 3/15, Rudra Sharma 2/17).
Uttar Pradesh 1st Innings: 415/6 declared (Kamran Ali 126, Aalok Kumar 127, Arush Gupta 40, Anay Awasthi 43; Trinabh Shukla 3/101).
With a colossal first-innings lead of 312 runs and Gujarat's second innings in tatters, only a miraculous performance can save the hosts from a comprehensive defeat. Uttar Pradesh will be confident of wrapping up the match quickly on the third and final day to secure a resounding victory in the U-16 national tournament.
