SMAT 2024 | Rinku Singh-Vipraj Nigam duo powers cracking win over Andhra

In response, Uttar Pradesh openers Karan Sharma and Aryan Juyal got off to a blistering start, propelling the score to 51/0 in just five overs. The pair maintained their aggressive approach, pushing the total to 69/0 by the eighth over. However, Andhra found a breakthrough when Kodavandla Sudharsan dismissed Karan Sharma for a quickfire 48 off 31 balls. Sudharsan struck again in the same over, removing Juyal and slowing UP's momentum. With Nitish Rana and Priyam Garg at the crease, UP reached 87/2 in 11 overs. Rana, however, couldn’t capitalise and fell to a reckless shot in the 12th over. The pressure mounted as UP faced the daunting task of chasing 69 runs off 48 deliveries. Sudharsan dealt another blow in the 13th over by dismissing Garg, further denting UP’s hopes. Sameer Rizvi and Rinku Singh attempted to rebuild, taking UP to 101/4 in 15 overs. With the required run rate climbing above 11, the duo needed to accelerate. Rizvi’s dismissal by Vijay in the 16th over added to the pressure, but Vipraj and Rinku turned the game on its head with a blistering 22-run 17th over, reducing the equation to 26 runs off the final three overs. The pair kept their composure as the target came down to 17 runs from the last two overs. Ultimately, Uttar Pradesh clinched a thrilling victory by four wickets, with Vipraj and Rinku’s vital 49-run partnership sealing the win.