New Delhi, October 24, 2025 – The Young Stars Cricket League (YSCL) Nationals 2025 kicked off in spectacular fashion at the Yamuna Sports Complex today, with the UP Roarers securing a convincing 18-run victory over the Uttrakhand Eagles in the tournament’s opening match.
In a contest defined by disciplined bowling and crucial cameos, the Roarers successfully defended a modest total of 140 to start their campaign on a winning note.
First Innings: Roarers Fight to 140
After taking the crease, the UP Roarers faced a stiff challenge from the Uttrakhand bowling attack. Gagan Chauhan anchored the top order with a steady 27 runs (29 balls), while Harshit contributed a quick 15 runs. However, it was a late-innings blitz from Rihan Khan, who smashed an unbeaten 19 runs off just 7 balls (strike rate 271.43), that provided the crucial momentum at the death.
The Uttrakhand Eagles bowlers were disciplined, with Dhanu Prasad delivering a standout spell of 2 wickets for just 7 runs in his 3 overs. Gaurav Pandey also claimed 2 wickets, but the Eagles conceded a costly 39 extras, which ultimately helped push the Roarers’ total to 140/8 in their 20 overs.
The Chase: UP Bowlers Apply the Squeeze
Chasing 141 for victory, the Uttrakhand Eagles started cautiously. Opener Harshvardhan Yadav played a patient knock of 37 runs (51 balls), and Praveen Prakash Ravva injected some pace with 27 runs off 16 balls.
Despite having wickets in hand, the Eagles struggled to accelerate against a tight UP bowling unit. Ratan Bhatra remained unbeaten on 27 (31 balls)*, but the required run rate climbed too high in the final overs.
The hero with the ball for UP was Amar Nath Yadav, who broke through crucial defenses to finish with figures of 2/21. He was brilliantly supported by Gagan Chauhan, who followed up his batting effort with an economical spell of 1/15 in 4 overs. The Roarers restricted Uttrakhand to 122/4, sealing an 18-run win.
Match Summary:
- UP Roarers: 140/8 (20 Overs) | Gagan Chauhan 27, Rihan Khan 19
- Uttrakhand Eagles: 122/4 (20 Overs) | Harshvardhan Yadav 37, Dhanu Prasad 2/7
- Result: UP Roarers won by 18 runs.
The victory gives the UP Roarers valuable points on the leaderboard as the YSCL Nationals 2025 gets underway.
Want to register for the league and get a chance to play at the nationals? Register for the nation-wide cricket trials at Registration Page.