Lucknow, August 22 The Gaur Gorakhpur Lions delivered a clinical all-round performance to register a resounding eight-wicket victory over defending champions Kashi Rudras in the UP T20 League Season 4, powered by Vimal Elaichi and NSC. Chasing a modest 139, the Lions comfortably crossed the finish line in just 14.4 overs at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.
The fixture was officially inaugurated by Shri OP Rajbhar, Minister of Minority Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Government of Uttar Pradesh, who performed the traditional Bell Ringing Ceremony to commence the game. The occasion was also graced by several esteemed dignitaries, including UP T20 League Governing Council Chairman Dr. Sanjay Kapoor, UP Umpiring and Scoring Committee Chairman Manoj Pundir, and former Indian international cricketer Piyush Chawla.
Opting to bat first, the Kashi Rudras struggled early against a disciplined new-ball spell from pacer Vasu Vats, who removed opener Abhishek Goswami. Karan Sharma and Sahab Yuvraj Singh (43) attempted to stabilize the innings with a 43-run partnership, but the introduction of spinner Vishal Nishad triggered a severe middle-order collapse.
Nishad ran through the lineup, claiming four crucial wickets, including the well-set Yuvraj Singh, leaving the Rudras reeling at 90/5. A late 30-run stand between Upendra Yadav and Arnav Baliyan offered brief resistance before Vats returned in the penultimate over to pick up three quick wickets, derailing the innings once again.
Baliyan’s aggressive, unbeaten cameo of 27 off 16 balls eventually pushed the defending champions to 138 all out. Both Vats and Nishad starred with the ball, finishing with exceptional figures of four wickets apiece.
Chasing 139, the Gorakhpur Lions displayed clear intent from the start. Opener Abhay Pratap Singh set the tone in the powerplay with a blistering 24 off just 11 deliveries. Following his early departure, Aryan Chaudhary took complete control of the chase.
Chaudhary anchored the innings masterfully, punishing loose deliveries while finding excellent support from skipper Aryan Juyal, who played a composed knock of 43 from 32 balls. The duo neutralized the Kashi Rudras’ bowling attack, ensuring a smooth and pressure-free run chase. Chaudhary remained unbeaten on a brilliant 68 off 44 balls, hitting the winning runs to take his team to 139/2 in a mere 14.4 overs.
For his game-changing spell of 4/19 in the first innings, Vishal Nishad was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match.
