UPT20 2023: Kashi Rudras defeat Kanpur Superstars in a low-scoring thriller.

Kanpur, September 11: Kashi Rudras defeated the Kanpur Superstars in a nail-biting 4-run thriller at the current UPT20 tournament. The Kashi Rudras successfully defended their score of 148/8 at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, led by the deadly bowling of spinners Shiva Singh (2/11) and M. Sharim (3/32). A mediocre innings for the Kashi Rudras earlier in the day was saved by Kamil Khan’s crucial cameo of 43 runs in 36 balls. With the win, Kashi Rudras increased their point total to six after seven games while Kanpur Superstars remained at five after nine games.

Kashi Rudras, who were given the opportunity to bat first, lost their opener Abhishek Sharma (1) to Prashant Chaudhary in the first over. Kashi Rudras were able to overcome their early setback with the assistance of Karan Sharma (33) and Shivam Bansal (23), who led the team to a 50/1 score by the end of the powerplay. After the powerplay, Kartikeya Yadav took out Karan Sharma, and Jasmer Dhankar later took out Prince Yadav and the experienced Shivam Bansal, the Kanpur Superstars used their spinners to great success, leaving the Kashi Rudras at 81/4 in 12 overs and in serious difficulty.

Together, Kamil Khan (43) and Ankur Malik (17) built a crucial partnership of 46 runs. Before being dismissed by Rishabh Rajput in the 18th over, Kamil Khan hit four fours and a six. Following Ankur Malik’s dismissal, which was caused by Vineet Panwar, Shiva Singh (14) scored a quick knock in just seven balls. Shiva Singh and M. Sharim were both taken out by Rishabh Rajput as a result of the Kashi Rudras’ constant wicket-loss and lack of batting ability in the final few overs, which resulted in a score of 148/8, which was below standard. The Kanpur Superstars’ standout bowlers, with averages of 3/34 and 2/23, were Rishabh Rajput and Jasmer Dhankar.

A risky powerplay was used by the Kanpur Superstars. While Rahul Rajpal (50) and Sameer Rizvi (23) were dangerous, Rizvi was defeated by an absolute peach from Shiva Singh in the opening over, which was bowled by Prince Yadav. Shiva Singh quickly removed Akshdeep Nath (3), leaving the Kanpur Superstars at 40/3 after the first six overs. In order to stabilise the run chase, Rahul Rajpal and Sandeep Tomar (both 26) added 55 runs, which put Kanpur in a promising position.

When Atal Bihari Rai dismissed Sandeep Tomar in the thirteenth over, the partnership came to an abrupt end. When Kanpur needed 38 runs in 26 deliveries, Rahul Rajpal reached his spectacular half-century in 32 balls but was quickly bowled out by M. Sharim. As a result of Kashi’s outstanding bowling, Prashant Choudhary (24) and Vineet Panwar (24) also succumbed to M. Sharim, lowering the equation to 10 runs required off the last over. The Kanpur Superstars were eventually restricted by M. Sharim during a tight over, giving the Kashi Rudras a 4-run victory.

Short Scores

By 4 runs, Kashi Rudras prevailed.

Kashi Rudras scored 148/8 (Kamil Khan scored 43 runs in 36 balls, Karan Sharma scored 33 runs in 22 balls, Shivam Bansal scored 23 runs in 28 balls, Rishabh Rajput took three wickets, Jasmer Dhankar made two, and Kartikeya Yadav made one) in their innings.

Kanpur Superstars finished with a score of 144/7 (Rahul Rajpal scored 50 runs in 34 balls, Sandeep Tomar scored 26 runs in 21 balls, Prashant Choudhary scored 24 runs in 15 balls, Sameer Rizvi scored 23 runs in 22 balls, Shiva Singh scored 2/11, Mohammad Sharim scored 332, Prince Yadav scored a half-century, and Atal Bihari Rai scored a third-inning run).