Ranji Trophy’s first-ever edition was played in 1934. Since Uttar Pradesh started playing Ranji Trophy, they had never beaten Karnataka. On June 8, 2022, a 23-year-old captain Karan Sharma led them to the historic win in a game where Uttar Pradesh made a miraculous return after getting all out for 155 in the first innings.
Early wickets
The run chase of 213 did not get off to an ideal start with opener Aryan Juyal and Samarth Singh getting out early. Vijaykumar Vyshak got rid of both openers with the new ball.
Garg’s counter-attack
From 28/2, the third-wicket partnership between Priyam Garg and Karan Sharma helped stabilised the run chase. Garg looked to score quickly and scored 52 runs from 60 deliveries including six fours and two sixes. Krishnappa Gowtham ended the former Under-19 skipper’s innings in the 29th over of the innings.
Middle-order crumbles
Rinku, who got a good start in the first innings got bowled for a single-digit score. Dhruv Jurel stayed a big longer in the middle but Vyshak came back into the attack and got the wicket of the wicketkeeper-batter. In the 42nd over, Uttar Pradesh were 114/5 and the target of 213 looked far away.
The match-winning duo
Prince Yadav turned out to be the perfect partner for Karan. The young captain scored the bulk of runs whereas Prince provided the much-needed support with few rare moments of aggression. Karan led the run chase and shared an unbeaten 99-run partnership for the sixth-wicket to help Uttar Pradesh get over the line in the 66th over.
Karan scored 93 runs from 163 deliveries including 13 fours and one six. On the other hand, Prince stayed not out for 33 off 73 balls.
Dayal mops up tail
Earlier, in the first session on Day 3, Karnataka could add only 14 runs to their overnight score. The Manish Pandey-led side was bundled out for 114 in 39 overs in second innings. In-form left-arm pacer Yash Dayal got rid of Karnataka tailenders. R More and Vidwath Kaverappa bagged ducks.
Wicketkeeper-batter Srinivas Sharath was the only one on Day 3 from Karnataka side to contribute to the score. Sharath remained stranded on the other end with 23 runs from 57 deliveries.
Saurabh’s magic
While Karan was adjudged 'Player of the match', it was left-arm spinner Saurabh who took four wickets in the first innings to restrict Karnatka for 253. After UP batters' dismal show, Saurabh got three wickets in the second innings as well.
