In a compelling display of batting prowess, Uttar Pradesh posted a respectable total of 323 for 7 on the opening day of their four-day under-23 Col CK Nayudu Trophy match against hosts Chhattisgarh. The match, held at the BSP Cricket Stadium in Bhilai on Friday, saw standout performances from Kavya Teotia and Rituraj Sharma, who anchored the innings with crucial knocks.
Solid Partnership Steadies UP Innings
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, UP captain Adarsh Singh led the team alongside opener Deepak Rana. The pair provided a moderate start, with Adarsh scoring 25 runs, including five boundaries, before being bowled by left-arm spinner Deepak Yadav. Rana followed shortly after, caught by Rahul Pradhan for 35 off 41 balls, leaving UP at a precarious 63 for 2.
Teotia and Rituraj Take Control
From this shaky position, Kavya Teotia and Rituraj Sharma stepped up to forge a vital 148-run partnership for the third wicket. Their collaboration, which lasted 146 runs after the early setbacks, showcased solid defence and fluent stroke play. Rituraj played the more aggressive role, hitting 10 fours and 3 sixes in his 88 off 127 balls before being caught in the deep by Vasudev Bareth off Deepak Yadav.
Teotia, narrowly missing a century, was also caught by Bareth after scoring 89 off 175 balls, which included seven boundaries. Their efforts propelled UP to a strong position, but once the partnership was broken, wickets fell at regular intervals, preventing the team from fully capitalising on the platform.
Deepak Yadav's Five-Wicket Haul
For Chhattisgarh, left-arm spinner Deepak Yadav was the standout performer, claiming five wickets for 64 runs. His disciplined bowling kept the visitors in check throughout the day, with key dismissals including Adarsh Singh, Rituraj Sharma, and Shubham Mishra late in the day. Varun Singh also contributed with two wickets for 64 runs.
Late Wickets and Unbeaten Stand
After the departure of Teotia and Rituraj, UP lost Mohd Aman (11) and Ali Zafar Mohsin (21), slipping from 211 for 3 to 274 for 5. However, Kartikeya Singh (26 not out) and Akshu Bajwa (17 not out) added an unbeaten 35-run stand off 86 balls, taking the team to stumps at 323 for 7.
Coach's Praise and Future Prospects
UP coach Gyanendra Pandey later praised Teotia and Rituraj, stating that both batted exceptionally well and were unlucky to miss out on centuries. He expressed hope that the remaining batsmen would push the total close to 400, providing a strong base for the bowlers to defend in the upcoming days of the match.
Brief Score: UP first innings - 323 for 7 (Adarsh Singh 25, Deepak Rana 35, Kavya Teotia 89, Rituraj Sharma 88, Mohd Aman 11, Ali Zafar Mohsin 21, Kartikeya Singh 26no, Shubham Mishra 4, Akshu Bajwa 17no; Deepak Yadav 5 for 84, Varun Singh 2 for 64).
