Col C K Nayudu Trophy: UP score 279 against Mumbai

KANPUR: In a gripping display of resilience and skill, Uttar Pradesh (UP) showcased their batting prowess, scoring 279 for the loss of 5 wickets against Mumbai on the penultimate day of their four-day semi-final clash in the Under-23 Col C K Nayudu Trophy cricket tournament, held at Green Park here on Thursday.

Facing early setbacks after losing four key batsmen for just 80 runs, UP found their saviours in captain Sameer Rizvi and Aaradhya Yadav whose formidable partnership of 118 runs for the fifth wicket turned the tide in their favour. Rizvi, fresh off a triple century in the quarter-finals, once again showcased his dominance with a blistering knock, hitting 10 boundaries and 3 sixes on his way to a well-crafted 89 runs.

Supporting him diligently was Aaradhya Yadav, who stood firm at one end, contributing a crucial 81 runs to the total. Their partnership, built over 225 balls, provided the stability UP desperately needed after the early blows.

Medium pacer Dhanit Raut managed to break the partnership, claiming Rizvi's wicket with a well-disguised slower delivery. However, Yadav found another able partner in Siddharth Yadav, and the duo further consolidated UP's position, adding an unbeaten 81 runs for the sixth wicket by the day's end, with Siddharth contributing 55 runs to the tally.

Earlier in the day, UP, after being put into bat by Mumbai, struggled against a disciplined bowling attack, with Rituraj Sharma, Swastik, and Kritagya KK Singh departing cheaply. However, the determined effort from the middle order steered UP to a commendable position by the close of play.

As the match heads into its final day, UP aims to capitalize on their advantage, banking on their strong batting lineup. With the possibility of a first-innings lead looming, UP's coach Mohd Amir emphasized the importance of maximizing their time at the crease, emphasizing the need for his batsmen to bat at least until lunch.

With the stage set for an intriguing finale, all eyes are on UP as they look to secure a spot in the tournament final with a strong showing on the last day.

Scoreboard: UP first innings: Rituraj Sharma c Vedant Murkar b Atharva Vinod 15, Swastik b Dhanit Raut 8, Kritagya KK Singh b Zaid Patankar 5, Aaradhya Yadav batting 81, Asitya Sharma b Atharva Bhosale 19, Sameer Rizvi lbw Dhanit Raut 89, Siddharth Yadav batting 55

Extras: 7

Total: 5 for 279 (98 overs)

Fall of Wickets: 1-11, 2-24, 3-46, 4-80, 5-198

Bowling: Dhanit Raut 21-5-69-2, Zaid Patankar 13-1-37-1, Suryansh Shedge 4-0-18-0, Himanshu Singh 11-0-40-0, Atharva Vinod Ankolekar 24-5-56-1, Atharva Bhosle 24-9-53-1