Punjab lifts U16 Vijay Merchant Trophy after thrashing Uttar Pradesh by six wickets

In the Under-16 competition of the Vijay Merchant Trophy 2017-18 season, Punjab registered a convincing six-wicket win over Uttar Pradesh in a low-scoring encounter on Monday (February 5).

Moreover, Punjab went on to chase down the modest target of 112 in 48.4 overs which saw Anshul Negi walking off the ground unbeaten on 17 as Yuvraj Choudhary remained not out on 50 off 79 balls, who also bagged six wickets in the final.

Batting first Sameer Rizvi-led UP post meager 160 in the first innings, as the top-scorer was Ansh Yadav, who registered 65 off 135 balls.

In response, Anurag Watts-led Punjab colts managed to post 189 in 80.3 overs.

Punjab took the first innings lead of 29 after top-order batsman Jaskaranvir Singh Paul smashed 84.

With the youngsters emerging as victorious, captain Watts himself delivered the punch after UP opted to bat in the final of the multi-day tournament.

In second innings, Rizvi-led UP from the front – to score 80 as he was the only highlight with the bat alongside Ansh who managed 45 runs. So much so, nine batsmen failed to go past the double-figure mark.

As bowlers went on to enjoy the bowling on Wankhede surface, UP was skittled at 140 in 74.3 overs.

Leading from the front, Watts bagged four wickets after conceding 25 runs in 16 overs.

For UP, pace spearhead, Aaqib Khan shone with the ball but was not enough even seeing him bagging six wickets after conceding 86 runs in 22 overs.

For Punjab, Aditya Pratap Singh was the top scorer with 55 runs in seven matches at an average of 79.29. He smashed a hundred at three fifties to be listed at number six on the most runs list.

In the bowling department, Watts is listed fourth overall this season the list of most wickets for the 2017-18 season of Vijay Merchant tournament.

Watts bagged 38 scalps in seven matches at an average of 17.07. He bagged seven wickets for 32 runs in an innings which further saw him bagging three five-wicket haul.

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