Noida Kings Triumph in Last-Over Thriller Against Gorakhpur Lions
Exciting Finish in UP T20 League Match
In a nail-biting conclusion, the Noida Kings secured a remarkable three-wicket victory over the Gaur Gorakhpur Lions in Match 9 of the UP T20 League. Thanks to Anivesh Choudhary's outstanding performance, scoring 34 runs off just 15 balls, the Kings successfully chased down a target of 186 runs at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.
Inauguration Ceremony and Notable Guests
The match commenced with a traditional Bell Ringing Ceremony led by Raj Shekhar (IAS), the Managing Director of Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Rural), Lucknow. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Sanjay Kapoor, Chairman of the UP T20 League Governing Council, Member Sanjeev Kumar Singh, and former Indian cricketer Manvinder Bisla.
Gorakhpur Lions Set a Challenging Target
Choosing to bat first, the Gaur Gorakhpur Lions established a strong foundation with a 72-run opening partnership between Abhay Pratap Singh and captain Aryan Juyal. Despite a brief comeback from the Noida Kings, who took two quick wickets, Abhay continued to shine, scoring a remarkable 70 runs off 41 balls. Siddharth Yadav contributed a rapid 51 runs off 28 balls, helping Gorakhpur reach a total of 185/9. Bobby Yadav was the standout bowler for the Kings, achieving impressive figures of 4 wickets for 48 runs.
Noida Kings' Thrilling Chase
In pursuit of 186 runs, the Noida Kings faced early setbacks, finding themselves at 46/3. Vasu Vats caused significant damage, taking two key wickets in the fourth over, including a spectacular catch by Abdul Rehman. Aditya Sharma (39) and Ravi Singh (49 off 28) formed a crucial 70-run partnership to stabilize the innings.
However, the partnership was broken in the 15th over when Vishal Nishad dismissed Aditya. The situation worsened for Noida as Prince Yadav took Prashant Veer out for a golden duck, and Vasu Vats claimed his third wicket by dismissing the well-set Ravi Singh.
With the pressure mounting and 23 runs needed from the last 12 balls, Abdul Rehman bowled a tight penultimate over, allowing only five runs.
Facing 18 runs off the final six balls, the Kings lost Kartik Siddhu to a run-out on the first delivery. Nevertheless, Anivesh Choudhary rose to the occasion, hitting consecutive sixes to reduce the target to 6 runs off 3 balls. A vital double followed, leaving 4 runs needed off 2 balls. Choudhary then struck a boundary on the second-to-last delivery, clinching a thrilling victory with one ball remaining, finishing with an unbeaten 34 runs off 15 balls.