Lucknow — In a captivating display of T20 cricket, middle-order batsman Sameer Rizvi put his power-hitting abilities on full display, but his monumental innings was not enough to save the Kanpur Superstars from a 13-run defeat against the Gorakhpur Lions in the 13th match of the Uttar Pradesh Premier League (UPL) 2025. The high-scoring clash took place on August 23 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.
Opting to bowl first, the Kanpur Superstars bowlers were put on the back foot as the Gorakhpur Lions’ top order fired on all cylinders. A magnificent 90-run knock from opener Aryan Juyal, supported by a blazing unbeaten half-century from Siddharth Yadav (50* off 27 balls), propelled the Lions to a formidable total of 193 for 2 in their allotted 20 overs.
In response, the Kanpur Superstars’ chase got off to a rocky start, losing three quick wickets for just 36 runs. It was at this critical juncture that Sameer Rizvi, the team’s captain, stepped up to the plate. He single-handedly kept his side in the hunt, launching a ferocious counter-attack that left the Gorakhpur bowlers reeling. Rizvi’s explosive innings of 93 runs came off just 49 deliveries, laced with 9 fours and 5 sixes, a strike rate of over 189. His dismissal in the 16th over, bowled by Teerath Singh, marked a turning point in the game.
With Rizvi back in the pavilion, the lower order of the Kanpur Superstars could not sustain the momentum. The Gorakhpur bowlers, particularly Teerath Singh who claimed four wickets, executed their plans effectively in the death overs. The Kanpur Superstars were eventually bowled out for 180 runs in 19.5 overs, falling agonizingly short of the target.
This exceptional performance is particularly significant for Rizvi, who has been in the spotlight for a turbulent period following his massive payday in the IPL. After a bidding war with Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals, Rizvi was acquired by Chennai Super Kings for a whopping Rs 8.40 crore in the IPL 2024 auction, making him one of the most expensive uncapped players. However, an underwhelming debut season saw him tally just 51 runs in eight matches, leading to his release from the franchise. His price subsequently dropped to Rs 95 lakh in the IPL 2025 auction.
His latest innings in the UPL, however, is a strong statement of his capability and a testament to his comeback efforts. While the match ended in a loss for his team, Rizvi’s individual brilliance has once again put him back on the map as a player with immense potential.
