Lucknow, Aug 23 (HS): In a high-voltage clash at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium, Gorakhpur Lions pulled off a stunning 7-wicket victory over Lucknow Falcons in the 11th match of the UP T20 League on Friday night, thanks to a breathtaking innings from Siddharth Yadav.

Chasing 183, the Lions needed 22 runs off the final over — a daunting task that seemed to tilt the game in Falcons’ favor. But Siddharth Yadav unleashed a sensational assault on bowler Kishan Kumar Singh, smashing three sixes and one four in five deliveries, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.

Yadav remained unbeaten on a majestic 88 off just 45 balls, laced with 7 sixes and 6 fours. His 96-run stand with Akshdeep Nath (32) steadied the innings after an early wobble and set up the memorable finish.

Earlier, the Falcons posted 182/8 after a shaky start at 44/4. Aradhya Yadav (68 off 47, 6 fours, 4 sixes) and Kritagya Singh (70 off 38, 7 sixes, 4 fours) rescued the innings with a destructive 123-run partnership for the fifth wicket. For Gorakhpur, Teerath Singh (4/37) and Vasu Vats (3/23) starred with the ball.

Despite disciplined spells from veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar (4-0-16-0) and Vipraj Nigam (4-0-23-1), the Falcons couldn’t hold on in the decisive last over.

Brief Scores:

Lucknow Falcons: 182/8 (Kritagya Singh 70, Aradhya Yadav 68; Teerath Singh 4/37, Vasu Vats 3/23)

Gorakhpur Lions: 183/3 in 19.5 overs (Siddharth Yadav 88*, Akshdeep Nath 32; Vipraj Nigam 1/23)

Result: Gorakhpur Lions won by 7 wickets

Player of the Match: Siddharth Yadav (88* off 45 balls, match-winning finish)

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar