In a gripping encounter of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, Uttar Pradesh beat Andhra by 4 wickets to book their spot in the quarterfinals. Rinku Singh and Vipraj Nigam’s explosive finishing sealed the deal for UP, while Andhra was left to rue missed opportunities.
The match at the second pre-quarterfinal stage was nothing short of dramatic. UP chased down the target of 157 with an over to spare, showing resilience after stumbling mid-chase. Let’s dive into the highlights, key performances, and what lies ahead for Uttar Pradesh.
Toss and Team Selection
Winning the toss, UP captain Bhuvneshwar Kumar opted to bowl first—a decision that would later prove crucial. Both sides entered with their best XIs, with Uttar Pradesh boasting a strong lineup featuring Rinku Singh, Shivam Mavi, and Priyam Garg, while Andhra’s key names included KS Bharat and Ricky Bhui.
Andhra’s Batting: A Rollercoaster Ride
Andhra’s innings got off to a shaky start. Losing KS Bharat early (caught at mid-on) in the third over set the tone. By the 6th over, Mohsin Khan struck again, removing Hebbar with a short-pitched delivery.
The pressure mounted as UP bowlers, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shivam Mavi, tightened the screws. Andhra struggled to find momentum, with quick wickets leaving them at 38/3 in 7 overs.
- Ricky Bhui (26 off 21) and Sasikanth (24 off 12) played critical cameos to lift the scoring rate.
- The final overs saw some fireworks. Tripurana Vijay’s six and Sasikanth’s boundary-laden last over propelled Andhra to 156/6 in 20 overs.
It was a par score on a slow pitch, but UP knew the target was gettable with their firepower.
Uttar Pradesh’s Chase: Nerves, Drama, and Rinku Singh Magic
Uttar Pradesh started brightly with Karan Sharma leading the way. His aggressive stroke play, including a towering six and crisp boundaries, pushed UP to 63/0 in 6 overs—a flying start.
However, the joy was short-lived. Andhra fought back with wickets in quick succession:
- Karan Sharma (48) fell while attempting a flick.
- Priyam Garg (10) and Nitish Rana (3) departed cheaply, leaving UP at 89/4 in 13 overs.
Andhra’s bowlers, especially Sasikanth and Raju, exploited the slow pitch to perfection, leaving UP in a precarious position. With 50 runs needed off the last 5 overs, it was time for UP’s finishers to step up.
Rinku Singh and Vipraj Nigam: The Heroes of the Chase
Enter Rinku Singh and Vipraj Nigam, who turned the game on its head. Rinku, as always, was cool under pressure:
- He charged down the track to slap the ball past cover for a four.
- A monstrous six over long-on brought the UP fans to their feet.
Meanwhile, Vipraj played the perfect partner, smashing boundaries with his fearless approach. His brilliant cut shot and a full toss driven for four ensured UP stayed ahead of the required rate.
In the 19th over, Vipraj smashed a six and a boundary to level the scores. With one run needed, Rinku Singh calmly took a single to seal the victory. UP ended at 157/6 in 19 overs, winning by 4 wickets.
Key Highlights of the Match
- Karan Sharma’s Start: His 48 runs off 30 balls laid the foundation for UP.
- Andhra’s Late Fightback: Sasikanth and Vijay’s final-over heroics gave them hope.
- Rinku Singh’s Calm Under Pressure: His timely big hits turned the game for UP.
- Vipraj Nigam’s Finishing Touch: 18 crucial runs ensured UP crossed the line.
What’s Next for Uttar Pradesh?
With this win, Uttar Pradesh qualifies for the quarterfinals of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024. They will face Delhi on December 11 in Bengaluru at 4:30 PM IST. A tough battle awaits, but with players like Rinku Singh in form, UP will be confident.
For Andhra, it’s heartbreak. Despite their solid group-stage performances, their journey ends here.
Key Match Stats
- Andhra: 156/6 in 20 overs
- KV Sasikanth: 24 (12), Ricky Bhui: 26 (21)
- Best Bowler: Mohsin Khan (2/25)
- Uttar Pradesh: 157/6 in 19 overs
- Karan Sharma: 48 (30), Rinku Singh: 36* (20)
- Vipraj Nigam: 18* (8)
FAQs
UP chased down Andhra’s target of 157 with an over to spare, thanks to Rinku Singh and Vipraj Nigam’s late fireworks.
Rinku Singh’s composed 36* and Vipraj Nigam’s explosive 18* sealed the victory for UP.
Uttar Pradesh will face Delhi in the quarterfinals on December 11 in Bengaluru.
Ricky Bhui and KV Sasikanth played crucial knocks, while Sudharsan and Raju bowled impressively.
Conclusion
The Andhra vs Uttar Pradesh Highlights showcased a thrilling second pre-quarterfinal where UP’s resilience outshone Andhra’s fight. Rinku Singh once again proved his worth as a clutch performer, while Vipraj Nigam provided the perfect finishing punch.
With this 4-wicket victory, Uttar Pradesh advances to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy quarterfinals, where they’ll face a strong Delhi side. For Andhra, the dream ends here, but they leave with their heads held high after a hard-fought campaign.
Stay tuned for more action as the tournament heats up—because cricket fans, the real drama is just beginning!
