UP poised for victory thrust

Uttar Pradesh were well set to complete an emphatic victory over Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy Super League Group C match at the Municipal corporation ground in Rajkot on Sunday. At stumps on the second day, Saurashtra, chasing a victory target of 369 were down in the dumps at 39 for three.

It was an action packed second day's play. At stumps on the opening day, Saurashtra were 89 for four in reply to UP's first innings total of 206. On Sunday morning skipper Gyanendra Pandey brought about a sharp collapse as Saurashtra were skittled out for 118 runs. They lost their last six wickets for 19 runs in ten overs as Pandey finished with five for 39. Only Firoz Bambhaniya with an unbeaten 35 showed a semblance of a fight.

Enjoying a lead of 88 runs, UP went for quick runs in their second innings and were all out for 300 after batting only 53.3 overs. Opener Manoj Mudgal led the way with a stroke filled 44 off 55 balls before he was run out. Then Rizwan Shamshad cracked a fine 81 off just 81 balls with nine hits to the ropes. Mohd Saif maintained the momentum with a breezy 83 off 94 balls with seven fours and a six. These two batsmen added 118 runs for the sixth wicket off 21.2 overs after five wickets had fallen for 102. In the face of this tremendous onslaught, N Odera did well to finish with six for 63 off 14.3 overs.

Chasing a tough victory target, Saurashtra were soon in trouble with Sriwastava (2) and AW Zaidi (1) picking up the wickets and it surely is only a matter of time before UP wrap up the game on Monday.