The Uttar Pradesh Under-16 cricket team seized the initiative on the opening day of their Vijay Merchant Trophy match against Gujarat, securing a significant first-innings lead at the JNN College of Engineering ground in Shimoga on Monday.
Gujarat's Batting Collapse
After being asked to bat first, the Gujarat innings never gained momentum and were bundled out for a modest total of 103 runs. The collapse was orchestrated primarily by Uttar Pradesh's medium pacer, Prithviraj Singh, who delivered a magnificent spell. Singh returned impressive figures of 5 wickets for 41 runs, dismantling the opposition's batting lineup.
He received crucial support from Kamran Ali, who took 2 wickets for 15 runs, and Aryan Tyagi, who chipped in with 3 wickets for just 15 runs. For Gujarat, only Vansh Shah (25) managed to cross the 20-run mark. The opening partnership of 28 runs between Jaiveer Singh and Dipanshu was the highest of the innings, highlighting the struggles as eight batsmen failed to reach double figures.
UP's Steady Reply
In reply, Uttar Pradesh ended the day at 118 for the loss of 2 wickets, taking a 15-run lead with eight wickets still in hand. Their innings began shakily with opener Hitesh Kumar departing early for just 2 runs.
However, Kamran Ali and Aalok Kumar steadied the ship with a useful partnership. Kamran Ali had to retire hurt after contributing 28 runs to the total. Aalok Kumar then found a reliable partner in Rudra Veer, and the duo constructed a valuable partnership of 65 runs off 142 balls, firmly putting UP in the driver's seat.
Rudra Veer played an aggressive knock of 39 runs off 72 balls, which included 6 boundaries, before being dismissed by Gujarat's Trinabh Shukla. At the close of play, Aalok Kumar remained unbeaten on a solid 43, with Arush Gupta (4 not out) providing company.
Match Position and Outlook
With a lead already in hand and wickets in reserve, Uttar Pradesh finds itself in a commanding position heading into the second day. The team will look to build a substantial lead to put pressure on Gujarat. For Gujarat, the task will be to strike early and restrict UP's lead, followed by a much-improved batting performance in their second innings to get back into the contest.
Brief Scores:
Gujarat 1st Innings: 103 all out (Vansh Shah 25; Prithviraj Singh 5/41, Aryan Tyagi 3/15, Kamran Ali 2/15).
Uttar Pradesh 1st Innings: 118/2 (Aalok Kumar 43*, Rudra Veer 39, Kamran Ali 28 retd hurt; Trinabh Shukla 2/41).
