Kanpur: Rituraj Sharma's unbeaten knock of 168 runs propelled Uttar Pradesh to amass a total of 349 for 3 against the host team Jammu on the inaugural day of their four-day pool match of the Col C K Nayudu trophy being contested at the hostel ground of JMCA, Jammu.
Rituraj entered the fray when the visitors were placed at 28 for 2. Medium pacer Archit Mahajan had jolted UP by taking the wickets of Adarsh Singh and Vijay Yadav for 14 and 0 runs respectively. At this juncture, Rituraj orchestrated two century partnerships that placed his team to a formidable position.
Rituraj and opener Shoaib Siddiqui took their team from a difficult situation to a commanding one, stitching together a 167-run partnership for the third wicket. Shoaib played the role of an anchor in this alliance, while Rituraj unleashed a flurry of strokes, contributing 92 runs off just 116 deliveries. Vishal Kumar eventually broke their partnership when he ensnared Shoaib for a well-crafted 80 runs off 164 balls, studded with 8 boundaries and 2 sixes.
Subsequently, Rituraj found an able ally in Aaradhya Yadav, and the duo navigated through the remainder of the day without any further setbacks, scoring an unbroken 154-run partnership. Rituraj's contribution in this undefeated partnership stands at 76 runs, during which he also reached his well-deserved century. At stumps, Rituraj and Aaradhya remained unbeaten on 168 and 64 runs respectively.
Brief score:
UP first innings-349 for 3 (Shoaib Siddiqui 80, Adarsh Singh 14, Rituraj Sharma 168 not out, Aaradhya Yadav 64 not out, Archit Mahajan 2 for 65, Vishal Kumar 1 for 95).