Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh continued their remarkable run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy by defeating a strong Bengal side in their final league match, registering their seventh consecutive victory. With this win, Uttar Pradesh became the only team across all four Elite Groups to win all seven league-stage matches, underlining their dominance in the tournament. The performance is being hailed as the state’s best in limited-overs cricket since their historic Ranji Trophy triumph.
Batting first, Bengal were bowled out for 269 runs, thanks to a disciplined bowling effort by Uttar Pradesh. Zeeshan Ansari once again impressed, claiming 3 wickets for 33 runs in 9 overs, while Vipraj Nigam chipped in with two wickets. Along with Prashant Veer, the spin trio played a crucial role throughout the tournament, complementing a strong batting unit. Zeeshan Ansari finished the league stage as the highest wicket-taker with 21 wickets, emerging as one of the standout performers of the competition.
Chasing 269—the lowest target Uttar Pradesh faced in the league—the team completed the task comfortably, defeating Bengal by five wickets with eight overs to spare. Although opener Veer Goswami departed early, Aryan Juyal and Dhruv Jurel stitched together a match-winning century partnership. Jurel played a scintillating knock of 123 runs, once again showcasing his rich form. Rinku Singh provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 37, reinforcing his reputation as a dependable middle-order batter and leader.
Uttar Pradesh’s batting dominance has been a major highlight of the tournament. Aryan Juyal and Dhruv Jurel scored two centuries each, while Veer Goswami and Rinku Singh also notched up centuries. Jurel, in particular, has had an exceptional campaign, scoring two centuries and four half-centuries, along with consistently sharp wicketkeeping performances. Cricket observers believe his current form makes a strong case for higher honours.
Led by captain Rinku Singh, the Uttar Pradesh side has delivered a collective and confident performance. The team will now face Saurashtra in the knockout stage, carrying strong momentum and confidence. If current form is any indication, Uttar Pradesh will enter the match as a formidable contender for the title.
