Madhya Pradesh Makes History with First Cooch Behar Trophy U-19 Victory
Madhya Pradesh has finally broken its long wait for a Cooch Behar Trophy title. The state's junior cricket team secured a thrilling six-wicket win over Gujarat in the Elite U-19 final at Sardar Patel Stadium in Valsad on Monday. This victory marks Madhya Pradesh's first-ever triumph in this prestigious tournament, which has been shaping Indian cricket since the 1945–46 season.
A Tense Start to the Final
Madhya Pradesh won the toss and elected to field first. Their bowlers immediately took control, maintaining tight lines and putting pressure on the Gujarat batsmen. Gujarat struggled to build momentum and was eventually bowled out for 216 runs in 74.3 overs. The MP attack showed remarkable discipline and patience on a pitch that offered gradual assistance to the bowlers.
In response, Madhya Pradesh faced a determined Gujarat bowling attack. They were restricted to 178 runs in 71.1 overs, conceding a first-innings lead of 38 runs. At this stage, the match seemed to be slipping away from Madhya Pradesh, but the team had other plans.
The Dramatic Turnaround in the Second Innings
The match swung decisively in Madhya Pradesh's favor during the second innings. Their bowlers launched a relentless assault on the Gujarat batting lineup. They attacked the stumps consistently, cut off scoring options, and forced the opposition into making errors. Gujarat collapsed to just 133 runs in 57.1 overs, setting up a manageable chase for Madhya Pradesh.
This bowling performance transformed a competitive final into a straightforward pursuit. The victory was now well within reach for the Madhya Pradesh team.
Key Performers and Individual Brilliance
Yashbardhan Singh Chouhan emerged as the undisputed star of the final. He delivered an incisive and relentless spell, supported effectively by Pushkar Vishwakarma and Sparsh Dhakar. Chouhan's eight-wicket haul earned him the player of the match award. His outstanding consistency throughout the season also secured him the player of the tournament title. Chouhan amassed 545 runs and took 55 wickets in just eight matches, showcasing his all-round prowess.
Ending Years of Disappointment
This victory erases the bitter memories of previous final losses for Madhya Pradesh. The state had suffered defeats in the 2000–01 and 2017–18 seasons. Now, they have finally lifted the coveted trophy.
The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association expressed immense pride in the achievement. "This title is a defining moment for Madhya Pradesh's junior cricket," said an MPCA representative. "Congratulations to the players, support staff, selectors, academy personnel, and all well-wishers for their collective effort in achieving this historic success."
The win not only brings glory to the state but also highlights the growing strength of junior cricket in Madhya Pradesh. It sets a new benchmark for future generations of cricketers from the region.
