Kanpur: An intriguing contest is on the cards as hosts Uttar Pradesh take on Chandigarh in a crucial pool league match of the Under-23 Col CK Nayudu Trophy, scheduled to begin at the Green Park Stadium here on Friday. The Green Park ground is a bit soft, and the strip has little grass with moisture underneath. Dew and dampness caused by the nearby Ganges have kept the square damp. Initially, the wicket is expected to assist medium pacers, and it is likely to become helpful for batting on the third day after lunch if sunshine continues over the next three days.
Both teams share the objective of collecting maximum points to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage. Uttar Pradesh, having already played five league matches, have accumulated 40 points and are aiming for an outright win to seal their place in the knockouts. UP coach Gyanendra Pandey expressed confidence in his side, stating that the team had performed consistently well and that the players were eager to make the most of home conditions. “The boys are keen to deliver their best at their home ground and secure a knockout berth,” he said. For UP, Akshu, Vijay and Adarsh have done well and are expected to come out with flying colours in this all-important tie. Chandigarh coach Ravikant Sharma admitted that a couple of poor sessions in their previous match proved costly, preventing his team from being in a stronger position on the points table. However, he remained optimistic, pointing out that the team still had two matches left and would leave no stone unturned to collect maximum points. “UP are a strong side, but we have a balanced team and are determined to turn our fortunes around,” Sharma told TOI. Chandigarh have so far registered one win, one loss and two draws in their four outings. In batting, the team has relied on Dushyant Thamman, Aarush Bhandari, Adhiraj Singh, Raghav Verma, Aviral Bansal and Devang Kaushik, all of whom have been among the runs, with the first four scoring centuries in earlier matches. In the bowling department, right-arm medium pacers Jaskirat Singh Mehra and Aryan Duggal have led the attack, while spinners Ivraj Ranauta and Nishunk Birla have provided effective support.
