Lucknow: Riding on the performance of their spin trio, Uttar Pradesh thrashed Bihar by an innings and 267 runs, with a day to spare, to kick-start their Ranji Trophy campaign in style at Rajgir International Stadium on Tuesday.After piling up 540 in their first innings, UP bowled out Bihar for 141 and 132 in the two innings to register a comprehensive victory on the third day. UP earned seven points and moved to the top of the points table, while Madhav Kaushik was adjudged Player of the Match.Resuming at 44/2 in 18 overs, Bihar, who were forced to follow on, were dismissed for a paltry 132 in 36.4 overs, handing UP a massive win. Mangal Mahrour top-scored with 27, while captain Sakibul Gani contributed 24. Suraj Kashyap provided some late resistance with a brisk 25 off 17 balls, but Bihar’s batting collapsed once again. Three batters were dismissed for ducks.Karan Sharma picked up three wickets for 17 runs, taking his match tally to seven, while Zeeshan Ansari claimed four wickets for 40 runs to dismantle Bihar’s batting line-up in the second innings.Kartik Yadav, who had taken four wickets for 26 runs in the first innings, picked up two more in the second innings to finish with six wickets in the match.Speaking to TOI, Aryan Juyal said, “It has been a very strong start to the season. The main challenge was that it was a fresh pitch, and we were unsure how it would behave. Our team combination was solid, as it allowed us to play multiple bowling options.“Our pacers bowled with great discipline, the spinners did very well, and Karan Sharma delivered outstanding spells. Our tailenders also contributed really well. Over the past few years, teams that have done well in the Ranji Trophy have always had valuable contributions from their lower order.”Speaking about his off-break bowling, Karan said, “During the off-season, I worked hard on my bowling and added variations. This performance is the result of that effort. It was very good for the team’s momentum, as it gives the squad another bowling option.”UP head coach Gyanendra Pandey said, “Winning the first match outright and taking seven points boosts the confidence of both the team and the management. The next match is in Kanpur, and we will hope for a similar result there as well. I am taking it one match at a time.”On Karan’s bowling, Pandey said, “Bihar’s off-spinner had taken wickets, so I felt we should make the most of our own talent. Karan bowled very well and performed excellently. Our left-arm spinner Kartik Yadav and Zeeshan also bowled well. If the spinners are confident, it will help us throughout the season.”
