Uttar Pradesh delivered a commanding performance to defeat a formidable Vidarbha side by 54 runs in a Vijay Hazare Trophy pool match at Rajkot's Niranjan Shah Stadium on Tuesday. This emphatic victory, built on a superb century by opener Abhishek Goswami and a disciplined bowling effort led by Kuldeep Yadav, marks UP's sixth consecutive win in the tournament, securing their place in the knockout stage.
Goswami's Maiden Ton and Batting Fireworks
After being asked to bat first, Uttar Pradesh posted a formidable total of 339 for 5 in their 50 overs. The innings was anchored by opener Abhishek Goswami, who crafted a brilliant 103 runs from 109 deliveries, featuring 10 fours and two sixes. This was his first century of the ongoing season.
Goswami built crucial partnerships throughout. He added 71 runs with Aryan Jurel (24) for the first wicket, followed by a 90-run stand with Dhruv Chand Jurel, who contributed a brisk 56 off 61 balls. Goswami then combined with Priyam Garg for an 80-run partnership for the third wicket. Garg, displaying growing confidence, scored 67 runs—his highest of the season—with six fours and three sixes.
The late flourish was provided by captain Rinku Singh, who smashed a blistering 57 off just 30 balls, including four boundaries and two maximums, before retiring hurt. Vidarbha's bowling attack, with Bhute, Thakur, Rekhade, and Harsh Dubey taking a wicket each, struggled to contain the flow of runs.
Mokhade's Valiant Century in Vain as Kuldeep Shines
Chasing a daunting 340, Vidarbha's innings was built around a magnificent lone hand from opener A Mokhade. Despite wickets falling regularly at the other end, Mokhade played a spectacular knock of 147 runs from 117 balls, striking 17 fours and two sixes.
Vidarbha's chase began shakily with Atharva Taide (12) falling early. Mokhade found little support until wicketkeeper Akshay Wadkar joined him. The duo launched a fierce counterattack, adding 85 runs for the sixth wicket in just 52 balls, the best partnership of their innings. However, the match turned decisively when Kuldeep Yadav dismissed the dangerous Mokhade, caught by Vipraj Nigam.
The spin wizard, Kuldeep Yadav, was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 52. He was ably supported by Kartik Tyagi and Vipraj Nigam, who claimed two wickets each. Vidarbha's innings eventually stuttered to 285 for 9 in their 50 overs, falling well short of the target.
UP Tops Pool, Eyes Knockout Glory
This comprehensive win underscores Uttar Pradesh's dominant form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The team has now crossed the 300-run mark in all six of their matches this season. With this victory, UP has surged to the top of their pool with 24 points and has officially qualified for the knockout stage of the prestigious domestic tournament.
The team's balanced performance, featuring strong contributions from both seasoned campaigners and young talents, makes them a formidable contender for the title as they march into the business end of the competition.
