Patna:Â In the Ranji Trophy clash at Moinul Haq Stadium, Patna, Bihar struggled to avoid an innings defeat on the third day of their match against Uttar Pradesh. Ending the day at 130 for 5 in their second innings after 57 overs, Bihar’s hopes rested on the unbeaten partnership of Ayush Loharuka (28*) and Sachin Kumar Singh (23*).
Uttar Pradesh dominated with the bat, declaring their first innings at a massive 603 for 2. Captain Aryan Juyal led the charge with a superb unbeaten 200, his second first-class double century, featuring 18 fours and a six. Karan Sharma added an unbeaten 118, his third first-class century, which included 11 fours and a six. Earlier, Abhishek Goswami scored a stellar 198, narrowly missing out on a double century.
Resuming on their overnight score of 417 for 2, UP continued to pile on runs with a 217-run partnership between Juyal and Sharma in 317 deliveries. The Bihar bowlers, led by Himanshu Singh and Nawaz Khan, managed just one wicket each but struggled to make an impact.
In reply, Bihar were all out for 248 in their first innings, conceding a hefty 225-run lead. Their second innings began with a solid 61-run opening stand between Sarman Nigrodh and Babul Kumar. However, UP’s bowlers struck back, triggering a collapse.
Babul Kumar was the first to fall, dismissed leg-before by Saurabh Kumar for 38. Post-tea, Bihar’s batting crumbled further. Jitin was run out for just 1, followed by Sarman Nigrodh, who scored 28 off 99 balls with 4 fours, falling LBW to Saurabh Kumar. Vice-captain Sakibul Gani (7) and Raghavendra Pratap Singh (0) were both trapped LBW by Shivam Sharma, leaving Bihar tottering at 75 for 5.
The pair of Loharuka and Sachin Kumar Singh provided some resistance, but Bihar remains under significant pressure heading into the final day.
For Uttar Pradesh, Saurabh Kumar claimed 2 for 38, while Shivam Sharma picked up 2 for 27.
As play resumes on Sunday, January 26, Bihar will aim to bat through the day to avoid an innings defeat, while UP bowlers will look to secure an outright win and maximum points.