Indian domestic cricket witnessed history being rewritten as Uttar Pradesh’s U-23 team pulled off a monumental feat, chasing down an intimidating target of 407 runs against Vidarbha. The emphatic victory, achieved in just 41.2 overs with eight wickets in hand, shattered records and raised the bar for future games.
Key Moments in the Match
Batting first at the GSFC Cricket Ground, Vidarbha put up a colossal 406 runs on the scoreboard. It was a daunting total, with stellar contributions from their top and middle-order batsmen.
The Role of Sameer Rizvi
Sameer Rizvi stole the show with an unbeaten 202*, a knock that showcased his extraordinary talent. Facing just 105 balls, Rizvi smashed 10 boundaries and 18 towering sixes, maintaining a strike rate that left spectators in awe.
Support Acts: Shaurya Singh, Swastik, and Shoaib Siddiqui
The foundation for the chase was laid by openers Shaurya Singh and Swastik, who shared a blazing 106-run partnership in just 10.4 overs. Shoaib Siddiqui, playing a mature innings, contributed 96* off 73 balls, adding stability alongside Rizvi in a 296-run unbeaten stand.
Highest Successful Chase in Indian Domestic One-Day History
The 407-run chase not only set a record for Indian domestic cricket but also underscored Uttar Pradesh’s dominance in the game. It surpassed Bengal Women’s 390-run chase earlier this month and the 384-run record by Andhra Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Such high-octane chases have become rare gems, and this performance left cricket enthusiasts reminiscing about similar remarkable feats in the sport’s history.
🚨 Record Alert
Uttar Pradesh captain Sameer Rizvi becomes the first batter to score two double centuries in the Men's U23 State A Trophy 👏
201*(97) vs Tripura
202* (105) vs Vidarbha (Chased 407)
Watch 🎥 snippets of his 202* vs Vidarbha 🔽#U23StateATrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank https://t.co/6MUCGEpE0U pic.twitter.com/kg1gAKRNJd
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) December 26, 2024
Spotlight on Sameer Rizvi
Rizvi was dropped from Uttar Pradesh’s senior Vijay Hazare Trophy side after a quiet performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy where he could only register 136 runs in 8 matches.
With 728 runs in six innings at a mind-boggling strike rate of 172.51, he has proven to be a game-changer. The 202* against Vidarbha wasn’t a one-off. Just days earlier, Rizvi had smashed 201* against Tripura, making him a standout performer in domestic cricket. Handed the captaincy of the U-23 squad, Rizvi embraced responsibility with incredible results. His on-field decisions and ability to lead by example have been pivotal for his team.
Contributions from Team Members
The cohesiveness of the team shone through their partnerships. Shaurya Singh’s aggression and Swastik’s stability set the tone, while Siddiqui and Rizvi’s composure ensured victory. Each player contributed meaningfully, creating a blueprint for successful run-chases under pressure.
Chasing 400+ is no small feat, especially under the weight of expectations. The Uttar Pradesh team demonstrated exceptional mental toughness and strategic acumen. This victory not only marks a high point in Uttar Pradesh cricket but also positions them as a formidable force in Indian domestic cricket.
Rizvi’s IPL Journey
Rizvi garnered headlines with an INR 8.4 crore contract from Chennai Super Kings in 2024. After a quieter IPL stint, he found a new home with the Delhi Capitals for INR 95 lakhs. With performances like these, Rizvi is poised to cement his place in the IPL. His domestic success could translate into match-winning performances on bigger stages.
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