Jurel’s ton guides UP take big lead

LUCKNOW: Keeper-batsman Dhruv Chand Jurel smashed a superb century and helped last year runners-up and hosts Uttar Pradesh gain a huge 361-run first innings lead against Chhattisgarh in their Elite Group Under-19 Cooch Behar Trophy match in Kanpur on Wednesday.

In reply to Chhattisgarh’s first innings total of 149, Uttar Pradesh scored 510 in their first innings. Chhattisgarh were 147/4 in 45 overs in their second innings on Wednesday. Ayush Pandey (55) and G Satya Vikas Sharma (12) were at the crease when the stumps were drawn.

Jurel, who began the day at his overnight score of 35, didn’t look back and went on scoring his maiden century of the season. His 153-ball 152, contained 20 hits to the fence and a six, at the Green Park Stadium.

In fact, Jurel’s 201-run eighth wicket stand with Purnank Tyagi frustrated the Chhattigarh bowlers. Tyagi remained unbeaten on 90, which came off 120 balls with the help of 10 fours as UP’s innings folded in 141.5 overs. Shaashwat Mishra (5/136) and Parivesh Dhar (3/88) were the main wicket takers for Chhattisgarh.

After the batsmen exploits, it was bowlers turn for Uttar Pradesh later in the day on Wednesday. Seamer Kartik Tyagi, who had four Chhattisgarh wickets in the first innings, kept mesmerizing their batsmen again, bagging 2/63, whereas Sameer Choudhary and Akshay sain shared two wickets between them to leave the visitors struggling at 147/4 in 45 overs. Chhattisgarh still need 215 runs to overcome the first innings lead.