Chandigarh vs Railways, Ranji Trophy 2024-25, Elite Group D: Railways Beat Chandigarh by 181 Runs

Railways clinched a commanding 181-run victory over Chandigarh in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group D clash at the Government Model Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh. Upendra Yadav's magnificent 124 in the second innings and Akash Pandey’s 9-wicket match haul powered Railways to a well-deserved win.

Day 1: Railways Struggle but Bounce Back

Opting to bowl first, Chandigarh restricted Railways to a modest total of 142 in their first innings. Despite a middle-order fightback from Yuvraj Singh (55) and Karn Sharma (16), Railways couldn’t build partnerships, collapsing to a low score. Vishu Kashyap (3/21) and Nishunk Birla (3/40) were the standout bowlers for Chandigarh.

However, Chandigarh's response with the bat was even worse. Akash Pandey wreaked havoc, taking 5/38 to reduce Chandigarh to 109 all out. Raj Bawa (34) offered some resistance, but Himanshu Sangwan (2/25) and Shivam Chaudhary (2/8) kept the pressure on.

Day 2: Upendra Yadav Shines in Railways’ Second Innings

In their second innings, Railways turned the game around. Upendra Yadav led from the front with a brilliant 124 off 123 balls, hitting 15 boundaries and 3 sixes. Supported by Vivek Singh (54) and Ashutosh Sharma (24), Railways posted 307, setting Chandigarh a massive target of 341.

Chandigarh started their chase on a shaky note, losing a wicket by stumps on Day 2, and needed 310 runs with 9 wickets in hand.

Day 3: Chandigarh Collapse, Railways Win by 181 Runs

Chandigarh’s hopes of chasing the target were dashed as Akash Pandey (4/46) and Karn Sharma (3/18) ran through their batting order. Arslan Khan (46) and Ankit Kaushik (45) fought hard, but the rest of the lineup faltered. Chandigarh was bowled out for 159, giving Railways an emphatic 181-run victory.

Match Summary:

• Railways 1st Innings: 142 all out (Yuvraj Singh 55; Vishu Kashyap 3/21)
• Chandigarh 1st Innings: 109 all out (Raj Bawa 34; Akash Pandey 5/38)
• Railways 2nd Innings: 307 all out (Upendra Yadav 124, Vivek Singh 54; Nishunk Birla 4/79)
• Chandigarh 2nd Innings: 159 all out (Arslan Khan 46, Ankit Kaushik 45; Akash Pandey 4/46)

Result:

Railways won by 181 runs.
Player of the Match: Upendra Yadav (Railways)