Home
Rinku Singh and Dhruv Jurel helped Uttar Pradesh recover after losing half the side for 124 on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 clash against Sanju Samson's Kerala. At Sanatana Dharma College Ground, Alappuzha, Rinku remained unbeaten for 71 to help his side post 244/5 before bad light stopped play.
Earlier, Uttar Pradesh skipper Aryan Juyal won the toss and opted to bat first. MD Nidheesh struck early with the new ball by trapping Samarth Singh in front of the stumps in the fourth over. Samarth scored 10 runs from 14 balls. Juyal and Priyam Garg played out the new ball. They shared a 58-run partnership before Vaisakh Chandran got rid of the opener. Juyal scored 28 runs from 57 balls including three fours. 10 balls later, Garg got bowled by Basil Thampi. He scored 44 runs from 69 balls including six fours. After the first session, Uttar Pradesh were 105/3.
In the second session, Sameer Rizvi who was recently roped in for Rs 8.4 crore by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) played red-ball cricket in T20 style. He smashed two sixes and as many fours in his 18-ball 26 cameo before losing his wicket to Shreyas Gopal. Akashdeep Nath could not make an impact and a few balls later became Jalaj Saxena's victim for a single-digit score. Rinku got an early reprieve as his catch was dropped by the first slip fielder. No more wickets fell in the second session as Uttar Pradesh were 180/5 at tea break.
After the tea break, Rinku reached his half-century. Bad light caused problems but wicketkeeper-batter Jurel did not throw away his wicket. He reached his half-century as well. At the end of the day's play, Uttar Pradesh were in a good position with 244/5 on the board from 64 overs. Rinku's 71 off 103 balls included seven fours and a couple of sixes. Jurel hit four fours and a six in his 100-ball 54.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
MS Dhoni files criminal case against ex-business associates, claims duping of Rs 15 crore
Big blow to India despite bulldozing South Africa in 3rd Test within two days, toppled from throne
