India's T20I destructive batter Rinku Singh failed to perform with the bat as Bihar defeated Uttar Pradesh by six wickets in the Group B clash of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) at Jadavpur University Campus Ground.
Piyush Singh smashed a half-century against UP
Opener Piyush Singh guided Bihar’s chase with a patient 57 off 54 balls, while speedster Mangal Mahrour produced a brilliant spell of 3/12 in four overs to restrict UP to 144 for six in their 20 overs. Mahrour received good support from captain Sakibul Gani (1/20) and Sakib Hussain (1/31), who each picked up a wicket; however, Amod Yadav was expensive as he managed to pick just one wicket, conceding 50 runs.
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Rinku failed to perform against Bihar
For Uttar Pradesh, number seven batter Prashant Veer top-scored with an unbeaten 40 off 26 balls in a counter-attacking innings. Rinku Singh, who was recently snubbed from India's T20I squad against South Africa, was dismissed for 19 off 25 balls by Mahrour, while Sameer Rizvi fell for 22 from 17 balls. Pacer Shivam Mavi remained unbeaten on 13 off 12. The 50-run partnership between Veer and Mavi for the seventh wicket prevented UP from finishing with a lower total.
Bihar's chase
Chasing 145, Bihar got off to a solid start with an 83-run opening stand between Piyush Singh and wicketkeeper Ayush Loharuka, who made 36 off 36 balls. Piyush struck four boundaries and a six, while Bipin Saurabh finished the game with a quick, unbeaten 26 off 16 balls to secure the win with four balls to spare.
Prince Yadav pick of the bowlers
Uttar Pradesh's Prince Yadav was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3/24 in four overs. Bihar's decision to opt to bowl proved to be the right decision for Bihar, who executed their plan perfectly to claim a memorable win.
Brief Scores
Uttar Pradesh 144/6 in 20 overs (Prashant Veer 40 not out; Mangal Mahrour 3/12) lost to Bihar 145/4 in 19.2 overs (Piyush Singh 57; Prince Yadav 3/24) by 6 wickets.