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Yuvraj Chaudhary and Akhil Rawat Propel USN Indians to UPL 2024 Glory
USN Indians Clinch Victory Over SG Pipers in Thrilling UPL 2024 Final
The USN Indians, powered by a sensational century from Yuvraj Chaudhary, secured a commanding 40-run victory over the Nainital SG Pipers in the men’s leg of the Patanjali Uttarakhand Premier League (UPL) 2024 final. The epic showdown took place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun on Sunday, September 22, in front of an ecstatic crowd.
USN Indians Overcome Early Woes to Post Mammoth Total
After being invited to bat first, the USN Indians faced early setbacks, losing half their lineup in the first 13 overs. However, Yuvraj Chaudhary (103 off 49 balls) delivered a masterclass, forging a match-defining partnership with Akhil Rawat (61 off 25 balls). Their blistering 91-run stand came in just six overs, lifting USN from a precarious position to a formidable total of 203/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
Chaudhary, showcasing his remarkable form throughout the tournament, hammered 11 sixes, while Rawat struck seven maximums, ensuring a towering target for the SG Pipers. Chaudhary’s relentless assault came to an end in the 19th over, but not before he registered his maiden century of the UPL 2024 season. Rawat, on the other hand, smashed crucial boundaries in the final over, helping his team cross the 200-run mark.
SG Pipers’ Chase Falters After Fiery Start
In reply, the SG Pipers came out firing, with openers Avneesh Sudha (33 off 22) and Priyanshu Khanduri (26 off 12) giving them a dream start. The duo added 51 runs in just four overs, putting the USN Indians’ bowlers under intense pressure. However, Agrim Tiwari’s breakthrough (2/32 off three overs) changed the game, as the Pipers lost momentum after their openers were dismissed.
Wickets continued to tumble as the SG Pipers struggled to maintain their aggressive start. Prashant Chauhan’s three-wicket haul (3/35 off four overs) further dented their chances, as he removed key players, including Sudha and Bhanu Pratap Singh (2 off 5), who had been pivotal in the Eliminator. The Pipers went from a promising 68/1 to a dismal 86/5, with the asking rate soaring beyond control.
Despite a late cameo by Harsh Rana (35 off 16), who fought valiantly with timely boundaries, the SG Pipers couldn’t recover from their middle-order collapse. Their innings folded at 163 in 17.1 overs, handing USN Indians a well-deserved title win.
Yuvraj Chaudhary’s Heroics Lead USN Indians to Unbeaten Run
Key Contributions From Rawat and Chauhan Seal Victory
Yuvraj Chaudhary, who dominated with the bat, also chipped in with two wickets to underline his all-round performance in the final. Meanwhile, Akhil Rawat’s quickfire 61 perfectly complemented Chaudhary’s century. The bowling unit, led by Chauhan and Tiwari, did an excellent job of defending their total, showcasing why the USN Indians remained undefeated throughout the tournament with five consecutive wins.
Rajan Kumar (1/55 off four overs) struck early by dismissing Aarav Mahajan for a duck, while Nikhil Pundir sent back USN captain Kunal Chandela (5 off 5) in the second over. The early wickets might have dented USN’s hopes, but Chaudhary’s aggressive approach ensured they never wavered.
The grand finale culminated in a glittering closing ceremony that saw electrifying performances from Parmish Verma, Agsy, the band Pandavaas, and folk icon Narendra Singh Negi. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami graced the occasion, presenting the trophy to the triumphant USN Indians.
Final Scorecard:
- USN Indians: 203/7 in 20 overs (Yuvraj Chaudhary 103 off 49, Akhil Rawat 61 off 25, Naveen Kumar Singh 2/39)
- Nainital SG Pipers: 163 all out in 17.1 overs (Avneesh Sudha 33 off 22, Harsh Rana 35 off 16, Prashant Chauhan 3/35)
- Result: USN Indians won by 40 runs.
