PANAJI
Not often do you see a match showcase total dominance by spin across a multi-format match, and the second round Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match between Uttar Pradesh and Goa at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur was one such fixture. The match ended 11 overs after tea on the penultimate day, Tuesday, with Uttar Pradesh upstaging Goa by 68 runs.
While spin may have been the talking point through the match, it was the visitors’ inability to get the last Uttar Pradesh wicket quickly in both innings, that had a telling impact on the eventual outcome. Goa conceded 65 and 46 runs for the last wicket respectively in each of Uttar Pradesh’s innings in a low-scoring affair.
Resuming at their overnight score of 102-4, Uttar Pradesh lost an early wicket of Kartik Yadav on 9 run out by Goa captain, Abhinav Tejrana, as the home side slid to 119-5 in the 45th over as the contest opened. While wickets tumbled, Rinku Singh in the middle-order showcased his pyrotechnics once again with a quick-fire 24, while Uttar Pradesh captain, Aryan Juyal, led from the front with a combative 74 (143b, 6x4). Against the grain on the dust bowl, a meaty 46-run tenth-wicket stand was realised in only 36 deliveries with last man, Yash Dayal going sledgehammer with a 14-ball 36 as the recognized batter, Aradhya Yadav contributed 10 in the rollicking partnership. With Dayal’s dismissal on the team score of 197, Right arm Offbreak, Yash Kasvankar completed his second 5-for in the match and his first 10-wicket haul (10-155) in only his second First Class match. Uttar Pradesh had enough on board to set Goa a stiff target of 236 runs, on a rapidly deteriorating surface.
By lunch, Goa progressed to 38 for no loss after 12 overs, still needing 198 runs for a dramatic win. Suyash Prabhudessai was shaping well on 18, with in-form Shivendra Bhujbal on 12. But the match had to stomach another turnaround, as five wickets fell in the middle session as Goa collapsed to 115-5 in 35 overs. Prabhudessai at top of the order returning to form waged a lone battle on 58 (93b, 5x4) and in last recognized batter, Darshan Misal providing company on 6 looked for support to take the match, the excruciating distance. But that was not to be. Post tea, Goa could add only another 52 runs as they were bundled out for 167. Prabudessai was the lone bright spark in the fourth innings of the match with a well-made 72 (106b, 6x4, 1x6). Misal made a doughty 28 (51b, 4x4). The sixth-wicket association of 53 runs in 80 deliveries between Prabhudessai 20 (29b) and Misal 28 (51b) was the only one of note. Slow Left arm Orthodox, Kartik Yadav led the Uttar Pradesh attack with impressive returns of 5-37.
With the 68-run win, the hosts pocketed six points as visitors, Goa continue their search for the first points.
In a match, dominant by the spinning ball, middle-order batter, Rinku Singh (Uttar Pradesh) was adjudged the Player of the Match with scores of 118* and 24.
