Himachal Pradesh vs Uttarakhand, Ranji Trophy 2024-25, Elite Group B

Himachal Pradesh secured a dominant win over Uttarakhand by an innings and 97 runs in their Elite Group B clash of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala. The victory was highlighted by Ankit Kalsi’s double century and Divesh Sharma’s exceptional five-wicket haul in the second innings. This comprehensive win earned Himachal Pradesh full points, while Uttarakhand was left searching for answers.

Himachal Pradesh’s Batting Masterclass

• Himachal Pradesh declared their first innings at a mammoth 663/3, thanks to a stellar batting display led by *Ankit Kalsi (205), Prashant Chopra (171), and Shubham Arora (118)**.
• Ekant Sen also contributed with a quick-fire 101, while Mayank Dagar added a brisk 56* to push the total well beyond Uttarakhand's reach.
• Uttarakhand’s bowlers struggled against the onslaught, with Swapnil Singh, Mayank Mishra, and Yuvraj Chaudhary picking up one wicket each.

Uttarakhand’s First Innings: Avneesh Sudha’s Fighting Knock

• Uttarakhand’s response was led by Avneesh Sudha’s resilient 96, but they could only muster 299 all out in their first innings, falling significantly behind.
• Kunal Chandela and Vaibhav Bhatt supported Sudha with scores of 56 and 46, respectively, but the rest of the batting lineup crumbled under pressure.
• Divesh Sharma was the standout bowler for Himachal Pradesh, taking 3/47, while Vaibhav Arora and Arpit Guleria chipped in with crucial wickets.

Uttarakhand’s Follow-On: Himachal’s Bowlers Dominate

• Forced to follow on, Uttarakhand’s second innings was a tale of resistance led by Ravikumar Samarth’s 112 and Yuvraj Chaudhary’s fighting 88.
• Despite their efforts, Uttarakhand was bowled out for 267, handing Himachal Pradesh an innings and 97-run victory.
• Divesh Sharma once again stole the show with a brilliant spell, claiming 5/55, and was well-supported by the rest of the bowling unit, including Vaibhav Arora and Mayank Dagar.

Match Summary

Himachal Pradesh 1st Innings: 663/3 declared (164 overs)
Top Performers: Ankit Kalsi 205*, Prashant Chopra 171, Shubham Arora 118
Best Bowlers: Yuvraj Chaudhary 1/52, Swapnil Singh 1/96

Uttarakhand 1st Innings: 299 all out (95 overs)
Top Performers: Avneesh Sudha 96, Kunal Chandela 56
Best Bowlers: Divesh Sharma 3/47, Arpit Guleria 2/36

Uttarakhand 2nd Innings (Follow-On): 267 all out (73.5 overs)
Top Performers: Ravikumar Samarth 112, Yuvraj Chaudhary 88
Best Bowlers: Divesh Sharma 5/55, Vaibhav Arora 1/30

Result

• Himachal Pradesh won by an innings and 97 runs.

Key Performers of the Match

• Ankit Kalsi’s unbeaten 205 laid the foundation for a massive total.
• Divesh Sharma’s match figures, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings, were instrumental in dismantling Uttarakhand's batting lineup.

Himachal Pradesh’s all-around display, highlighted by Kalsi’s double century and Sharma’s brilliant bowling, ensured a commanding victory in this Ranji Trophy fixture. This emphatic win boosts their position in Elite Group B, while Uttarakhand has a lot to ponder ahead of their next encounter.