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USN Indians Dominate Pithoragarh Hurricanes with a Comprehensive Win in UPL 2024 Opener
USN Indians Deliver a Strong Performance in UPL 2024 Debut
In their opening match of the Patanjali Uttarakhand Premier League (UPL) 2024, the USN Indians showcased a commanding performance with both ball and field to secure a decisive seven-wicket victory over the Pithoragarh Hurricanes. The match, held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun on Tuesday, September 17, saw the USN Indians deliver a clinical display in their debut game.
Having won the toss and opted to field first, the USN Indians quickly capitalized on the opportunity. Despite a rain delay that pushed the start of the game, the team was sharp from the outset. Their bowlers maintained tight lines and fielded excellently, dismissing the Hurricanes for a modest total of 77 runs. This total proved insufficient for a competitive challenge.
Bowling and Fielding Excellence by USN Indians
Shivam Gupta led the charge with the ball, taking 2 wickets for 12 runs in just two overs, including crucial dismissals in the third over. USN Indians’ captain, Kunal Chandela, scored 21 runs off 20 balls and formed a strong partnership with Aryan Sharma, who remained unbeaten on 30 from 18 balls. Their steady batting ensured a smooth chase, allowing the USN Indians to win with 74 balls to spare.
The Pithoragarh Hurricanes’ innings was marred by a poor performance. After losing the toss, they struggled on a pitch that had been under covers for an extended period. Left-arm seamer Agrim Tiwari struck early, dismissing Hitesh Naula with a superb diving catch by Chandela. Vishal Kashyap and Rahul Negi also fell quickly, with Negi being bowled out by a yorker from Tiwari.
Struggles for Pithoragarh Hurricanes
The Hurricanes’ batting innings deteriorated with chaotic running and multiple run outs. Chaudhary, who was impressive with his unique bowling action similar to Sunil Narine, contributed to two of those run outs. Devendra Bora and Prashant Chauhan also delivered effective spells, restricting the Hurricanes’ scoring.
Sunny Kashyap was the highest scorer for the Hurricanes with 18 runs from 16 balls, but his dismissal marked the end of a dismal innings. The loss significantly impacted the Hurricanes’ net run rate, casting a shadow over their performance in the UPL 2024.
Match Summary
- Pithoragarh Hurricanes: 77 all out in 17.4 overs (Neeraj Rathour 13 off 15, Sunny Kashyap 18 off 16, Devendra Bora 2/9 off 3 overs)
- USN Indians: 78/3 in 7.4 overs (Aryan Sharma 30* off 18, Kunal Chandela 21 off 20, Shivam Gupta 2/12 off 2 overs)
