Goswami guides UP to 32-run win over Chhattisgarh

Lucknow: Opener Abhishek Goswami's fluent 85 runs helped Uttar Pradesh secure a 32-run win over Chhattisgarh in their Vijay Hazare Trophy match at the Vizzy Stadium in Vizianagaram on Saturday. Batting first, Uttar Pradesh posted a total of 272 for nine. Goswami's 81-ball knock, featuring 13 boundaries and a six, provided a solid foundation. He shared a crucial 103-run stand off 96 balls with Sameer Rizvi (48). However, UP faltered to 174/6 in 33.2 overs as the middle order collapsed. Shivam Mavi stepped up with a vital unbeaten 52 off 48 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, to rescue the innings. Contributions from all-rounder Saurabh Kumar (16) and pacers Yash Dayal (17) and Mohsin Khan (11) helped push the total to a competitive 272. In reply, Chhattisgarh started off well with AG Tiwary (32) and Ashutosh Singh (23) adding 40 runs in eight overs. However, Karan Sharma broke the partnership, dismissing both openers. The UP spin trio—Karan Sharma (2 wickets), Saurabh Kumar (1 wicket), and Vipraj Nigam (2 wickets)—maintained pressure throughout the innings. Chhattisgarh's batsmen struggled to build partnerships and were eventually bowled out for 240 in 49.4 overs, handing Uttar Pradesh a well-earned victory.