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Kanpur: Upendra Yadav ’s late blitz with the bat, followed by three-wicket hauls from Kartik Yadav and Rishabh Rajput, helped Kashi Rudras register a convincing 56-run victory over Meerut Mavericks in the UP T20 League on Tuesday. With the win, Kashi Rudras completed their league campaign with five victories and five defeats to finish on 10 points. They secured third place on the basis of a superior net run rate, ahead of Noida Super Kings, who also finished with 10 points. Kashi will now feature in the qualifier matches, scheduled to be played at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow from September 3. The Mavericks managed only 27 runs during the powerplay and lost four wickets. Opener Swasthik Chikara was dismissed without scoring by Rishabh Rajput, while Akshay Rajput (2) and Rituraj Sharma (1) failed to make an impact. Sandeep Tomar briefly raised hopes of a fightback with an attacking 29 off 20 balls, hammering three sixes, before he was caught by Sakham at deep midwicket off Kartik Yadav. Divyansh Rajput entertained the crowd with an aggressive 39 off 31 balls, hitting two boundaries and three sixes. Meerut slipped further after losing three wickets at 106, with Yash Garg (0) and Dinesh Kumar (14) also departing in quick succession. The Mavericks were eventually bowled out for 119 in 19.2 overs, with Kunal Yadav being caught by Deepanshu off Atal Behari Rai who picked two wickets. Karan was the more aggressive of the two as they took the score to 75 before Kunal Yadav dismissed Virat for 33. He scored 57 off 40 balls, hitting four boundaries and three sixes. Soon after, Arush Goel bowled Saksham for five, leaving Kashi struggling at 93 for three in 13.1 overs.
Rituraj was unlucky to be run out. However, his attempt to cut Rishabh Rajput ended with him hitting his own wicket. Wicketkeeper Akshay Dubey completed the catch. Virat’s dismissal triggered a mini-collapse. Karan, attempting to accelerate the scoring rate, edged Vishal Chaudhary and was neatly caught by wicket keeper Akshay Dubey.
The opening pair of skipper Karan Sharma and Virat added 75 runs, while Upendra Yadav and Shubham Chaubey put on an unbeaten-looking 70-run stand for the fourth wicket. Karan and Virat, a right and left combination gave Kashi a flying start, scoring 54 runs during the six-over powerplay. Upendra and Shubham then revived the innings with a 70-run partnership. Upendra played the aggressor’s role, smashing 57 off just 29 balls with four boundaries and five sixes. Shubham Chaubey remained unbeaten on 15 as Kashi finished on 175 for four.
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Kartik Yadav Stars as Kashi Rudras Secure Win
Kartik Yadav earned the Player of the Match title with a decisive three-wicket performance. His efforts were crucial in securing victory for Kashi Rudras.
Earlier in the match, Kashi Rudras set a competitive target of 175 runs for four wickets in their allotted 20 overs. This score was achieved thanks to a strong late innings contribution from Upendra Yadav. Kashi Rudras won the toss and opted to bat first against Meerut Mavericks.
Meerut Mavericks Struggle Against Kashi Rudras in Recent Match
In a recent match, Kashi Rudras set a challenging target of 175 runs for the Meerut Mavericks by scoring 175 for four in their allotted 20 overs. Upendra Yadav was instrumental in this effort, contributing a rapid 57 runs that bolstered the team’s total.
The Meerut Mavericks faced significant difficulties during their chase, quickly finding themselves in a precarious position. Left-arm spinner Kartik Yadav’s impressive bowling performance, which included three wickets for just 12 runs over four overs, left Meerut reeling at 70 for five after 13 overs.
Despite this setback, Meerut remains at the top of the points table with 15 points, while Lucknow Falcons hold the second position with 13 points. Both teams have already secured their spots in the upcoming playoff matches.