How Did Rinku Singh Lead Uttar Pradesh to a 227-Run Victory Over Chandigarh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rinku Singh scored an unbeaten century of 106 runs.
- Uttar Pradesh defeated Chandigarh by 227 runs.
- Dhruv Shorey matched a List A record with his 109 not out.
- Vidarbha won against Hyderabad by 89 runs.
- Strong performances from spinners helped secure victories for their teams.
New Delhi, Dec 26 (NationPress) Indian cricketer Rinku Singh played a remarkable innings, finishing with an unbeaten century as Uttar Pradesh overwhelmed Chandigarh by a staggering 227 runs in their Elite Group B match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the 2025-26 season in Rajkot on Friday.
Rinku scored 106 not out from just 60 balls, while wicketkeeper-batter Aryan Juyal solidified the innings with 134 runs off 118 deliveries, leading Uttar Pradesh to an impressive total of 367/4. Wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel also made a notable contribution with a quick 67 off 57 balls in a dominant batting display.
On the bowling front, leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari achieved his second consecutive four-wicket haul with figures of 4-29, effectively dismantling Chandigarh for just 140 all out in 29.3 overs. Spinners Vipraj Nigam (2-35) and Prashant Veer (1-11) supported him well in a polished bowling performance.
Juyal's century was highlighted by eight sixes and seven fours, showcasing his strategic pacing. Rinku, who is part of India's squad for the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, accelerated the innings late with 10 boundaries and four sixes, marking his second List A century.
He initially collaborated with Juyal and later teamed up with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) newcomer Prashant Veer, adding 63 runs off just 35 balls to push Uttar Pradesh past 350. This performance will likely catch the attention of India's selectors ahead of the T20 World Cup, with Rinku being viewed as a key finisher in the shortest format.
In a separate game, Dhruv Shorey matched N. Jagadeesan's record for the most consecutive centuries in List A cricket, scoring an unbeaten 109 to lead Vidarbha to an 89-run victory against Hyderabad. Shorey's fifth consecutive List A century, made off 77 balls with nine fours and six sixes, propelled Vidarbha to 365/5 in 50 overs.
Captain Harsh Dubey spearheaded a disciplined bowling attack, taking three wickets as Hyderabad was bowled out for 276. Shorey's innings built upon a solid 148-run opening partnership between Aman Mokhade (82 off 78 balls) and Yash Rathod (68 off 82 balls).
After Nitin Yadav broke the partnership by getting Mokhade to catch out in the deep, and Rathod fell shortly after, Shorey took command alongside R. Samarth (63 off 46 balls), forming a rapid 140-run partnership off just 95 balls.
He reached his eighth List A century in 73 balls with a stunning six, while Harsh and Nachiket Bhute contributed late to elevate Vidarbha past 350. Hyderabad started their chase aggressively but ultimately fell short despite Varun Goud scoring 85 off 68 balls, striking four boundaries and four sixes before being stumped.
Left-arm seamer Raj Limbani achieved his first five-wicket haul as Baroda bowled out Bengal for 205 and secured a four-wicket victory with 11.1 overs remaining. Baroda captain Krunal Pandya set the pace with figures of 3-39, including the crucial wicket of Abishek Porel, to limit Bengal's scoring.
Limbani then completed the task with his first List A five-wicket haul as Bengal failed to utilize their overs. Krunal anchored the chase with a composed 57 off 63 balls, leading Baroda to their second consecutive win in the tournament.
In another match, former Tamil Nadu leg-spinner Murugan Ashwin secured his first List A five-wicket haul as Jammu and Kashmir triumphed over Assam by a massive 142 runs. Yawer Hassan's century propelled J&K to 341/7 before Ashwin's spin bowling took down Assam's chase, resulting in a total of just 199.
Brief summaries:
Uttar Pradesh 367/4 in 50 overs (Aryan Juyal 134, Rinku Singh 106 not out; Taranpreet Singh 2-74) defeated Chandigarh 140 all out in 29.3 overs (Manan Vohra 32; Zeeshan Ansari 4-29) by 227 runs.
Vidarbha 365/5 in 50 overs (Dhruv Shorey 109 not out; Kartikeya Kak 3-87) won against Hyderabad 279 all out in 49.2 overs (Aelgani Varun Goud 85; Harsh Dubey 3/39) by 89 runs.
Bengal 205 all out in 38.3 overs (Anustup Majumdar 47, Karan Lal 40; Raj Limbai 5-65) lost to Baroda 209/6 in 38.5 overs (Shashwat Rawat 61, Krunal Pandya 57; Aamir Gani 2-33) by four wickets.
Jammu and Kashmir 341/7 in 50 overs (Yawer Hassan 138; Denish Das 2-46) beat Assam 199 all out in 36.1 overs (Sumit Ghadigaonkar 53; Murugan Ashwin 5-34) by 142 runs.