Star batsman Rinku Singh showcased his talent in the long format on Wednesday, playing a career-best innings of 176 runs, which gave Uttar Pradesh a crucial first-innings lead against Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy.
Sports News: The fifth round matches of the Ranji Trophy 2024–25 concluded on Wednesday, witnessing exciting twists and turns in several key encounters. The Uttar Pradesh vs Tamil Nadu match ended in a draw, Andhra registered a big win by an innings over Jharkhand, and Bihar entered the Plate Group final with a b performance. Meanwhile, Kerala and Delhi had to settle for a draw despite coming close to victory. The biggest headlines in this round were made by Rinku Singh, who bly knocked on the selectors' door with a career-best innings of 176 runs in the long format for the first time.
Rinku Singh's Historic 176-Run Innings, UP Gets First Innings Lead
The Group-A match between Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu might have ended in a draw, but the game entirely belonged to Rinku Singh. In response to Tamil Nadu's massive score of 455 runs, Uttar Pradesh scored 460 runs, securing a crucial five-run lead.
- Rinku Singh — 176 runs (17 fours, 6 sixes)
- Shivam Mavi — 54 runs
Unbeaten at 98* on the third day, Rinku brilliantly continued his innings on the fourth day, adding a total of 176 runs from 247 balls. Thanks to his innings, UP secured three crucial points and extinguished Tamil Nadu's hopes of victory.
Andhra's Big Win: Jharkhand Defeated by an Innings and 81 Runs
The match played between Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand at Keenan Stadium proved to be one-sided. After taking a 239-run lead in the first innings, Andhra maintained complete control over the match. Jharkhand's second innings collapsed for 158 runs, and the team suffered a defeat by an innings and 81 runs. Although Sharandeep Singh played a fighting innings of 65 runs, he received no support from the other end, and the entire team crumbled on the fourth day.
In the match played in Indore, Kerala was very close to victory, but Madhya Pradesh's lower order saved the team from defeat. In the first innings, Sachin Baby (122) and Baba Aparajith (105 retired hurt) put Kerala in a b position, and declaring their second innings at 314/5
Bihar Creates History, Team Reaches Plate Group Final
At Moin-ul-Haq Stadium in Patna, Bihar defeated Mizoram by seven wickets to enter the Plate Group final. Mizoram declared their second innings at 260/6 on the fourth day, setting Bihar a target of 248 runs. Bihar's batsmen chased the target aggressively, scoring 251/3 in just 27.4 overs to win the match. Three batsmen scored half-centuries, leading the team to a magnificent victory.
