Rinku Singh made a thunderous statement in red-ball cricket with a magnificent career-best 176, guiding Uttar Pradesh to a crucial first-innings lead over Tamil Nadu in their Ranji Trophy Group A encounter. The match ended in a draw, but UP walked away with three vital points after posting 460 all out, edging past Tamil Nadu’s 455 by five runs.
A Knock That Turned Heads
Best known for his last-over heroics in T20 cricket, Rinku showcased remarkable temperament and technique in the longer format. Resuming on 98, the left-hander converted his overnight score into a marathon 176, laced with 17 fours and six sixes. He faced 247 balls, displaying patience and maturity against a quality Tamil Nadu attack.
UP’s lower order also stepped up, with Shivam Mavi contributing a valuable 54, ensuring the visitors crossed Tamil Nadu’s total.
With India struggling against spin in home Test matches, Rinku’s gritty knock has put him firmly on the radar of national selectors as a potential red-ball prospect.
Vidarbha Seal Dominant 144-Run Win After Nalkande’s Fiery 5/12
In the other major Group A clash, Vidarbha crushed Baroda by 144 runs in Nagpur, powered by pacer Darshan Nalkande’s career-best 5/12. The decisive victory earned Vidarbha full six points, strengthening their position at the top of the standings.
The outcome was all but confirmed at the end of day three, with Baroda reeling at 73/5 in pursuit of 276. Nalkande ripped through the top order, claiming four wickets on the third evening before completing his maiden first-class five-wicket haul on the final day — seven years after his debut.
Baroda were bowled out for 131 in 50.4 overs, following their first-innings 166. Contributions from Nachiket Bhute (2/47) and Parth Rekhade (2/28) ensured steady pressure from both ends.
Sukirt Pandey (37) was the top scorer for Baroda, while skipper Atit Sheth (29) and Raj Limbani (21) offered brief resistance on a challenging pitch at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium.
A major chunk of credit for Vidarbha’s dominant win also goes to Yash Rathod, whose brilliant 91 off 142 balls on day three set up the match perfectly for the bowlers to finish.
