Uttar Pradesh wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel continued his blistering form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and played a fiery knock in the third round. After slamming half-centuries in the first two games of the tournament, the 24-year-old went on to reach triple figures against Baroda. The knock proved to be crucial for UP and it took them to a mammoth total by the end of their innings.
The Rinku Singh-led side started off on a strong note as openers Abhishek Goswami and Aryan Juyal formed a robust stand of 77. However, Raj Limbani would get the important breakthrough for Baroda by sending Juyal back to the pavilion for 26 runs. Goswami would lose his wicket for 51 just two overs later and next batter Priyam Garg would depart cheaply for three runs soon after, leaving UP on 92/3.
Jurel and Rinku's superb partnership
Though the team looked to be in a spot of bother at one stage, the duo of Jurel and Rinku completely turned the tables around. The two smacked the opposing bowlers all around the park and formed a massive partnership. Both of them went on to reach their fifties, taking the side's total over the 200-run mark with ease. Rinku eventually lost his wicket for 63 runs in the 39th over, leaving UP on 223/4. Sameer Rizvi would soon depart cheaply for 11 as Limbani got his fourth scalp of the day, but Baroda's problems didn't go away as Jurel then formed a big stand with Prashant Veer.
Jurel carries UP to incredibly strong total
Despite two wickets falling in small intervals, Jurel continued to play in an explosive manner and eventually registered a century after facing 78 deliveries. His strike-rate only increased after reaching the mark while Prashant also contributed to the side's total and played a valiant cameo of 35 before being dismissed in the final over. Thanks to a fantastic knock of 160 runs from Jurel, UP finished off their 50 overs on 369/7.
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The wicketkeeper-batter's inning included 15 boundaries and 8 towering sixes and played an instrumental role in the side reaching the formidable total. It remains to be seen if the Krunal Pandya-led Baroda will be able to chase down the 370-run target.