LUCKNOW, Oct. 11 -- Former champions Uttar Pradesh open their Ranji Trophy campaign against Bihar at Rajgir International Stadium on Sunday, with Rinku Singh in the spotlight. Last season, Rinku underlined his red-ball credentials last season and would be keen to build on that success and help UP, who are in Group A. His explosive batting has earned him fame, but Rinku's first-class record is very healthy. He has aggregated 3,757 runs at an average of 58.70, with nine centuries and 23 fifties. His career-best 176 against Tamil Nadu and an unbeaten 165 against Andhra in the 2025-26 season underlined his quality, both hundreds coming in difficult situations. It was a timely reminder of Rinku's value in red-ball cricket. He struck centuries in consecutive matches, showing the patience and concentration required to bat through long spells while retaining the ability to accelerate. That balance will be central for UP to mount a challenge. Gyanendra Pandey returns as the Ranji head coach. In his previous stint, the former allrounder helped UP reach successive Ranji finals in 2007-08 and 2008-09, and the semi-final in 2009-10. Pandey has said the side is balanced and that an opening win would help it build confidence. "Both Rinku's knocks came at crucial junctures and saved those games, although UP couldn't make it to the knockouts," Pandey said. "We hope he continues his rich form in the longer version of the game too." Rinku's journey has been shaped by persistence. The Aligarh-born player made his first-class debut in November 2016. The path from domestic cricket to national recognition was built through years of performances across formats, with his red-ball game developing alongside his reputation as a limited-overs finisher. For UP, the 28-year-old's presence offers reassurance in the middle order as skipper Aryan Juyal has described the experienced batter as a major boost. The four-day fixture will also mark the first Ranji Trophy match at Rajgir International Stadium. For Uttar Pradesh, the new season begins with familiar ambition and renewed leadership. And for Rinku, it is another chance to show that the patience, discipline and weight of runs in first-class cricket can become a defining part of his game and not merely a supporting chapter to his white-ball success. Opener Riya Bhati produced a commanding unbeaten century as former champions Uttar Pradesh defeated Punjab by 50 runs in the Women's Under-19 T20 Trophy Elite in Mumbai on Saturday. After winning the toss and electing to bat at the MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy, Uttar Pradesh posted 160 for four. Bhati anchored the innings with a sparkling 106 not out from just 61 balls, striking 21 boundaries. Her fluent strokeplay gave Uttar Pradesh the momentum to build a challenging total. Bhati found an important partner in Shubh Chaudhary, with the pair adding 83 runs for the third wicket. Chaudhary contributed a composed 30 from 32 deliveries, including three fours. Bharti Singh then provided a brisk finish, scoring 16 off 11 balls with two boundaries as Uttar Pradesh closed on 160. Punjab's pursuit of 161 never gathered sustained momentum. After opener Gunsakhi made 18, wickets fell at regular intervals, leaving the chase under pressure. Divya top-scored with 29 from 36 balls, hitting four boundaries, while Mehtab Kaur made 30 from 40 deliveries, with one four and one six. Their efforts could not lift Punjab beyond 110 for eight. Chaudhary capped a fine all-round performance by leading Uttar Pradesh's attack, taking three wickets for 10 runs. Janvi Baliyan and Siddhi Mishra also contributed with the ball, sharing four wickets between them as Punjab's innings stalled. The 50-run win gave Uttar Pradesh a convincing start, built on Bhati's dominant knock and a disciplined bowling display. The opener's century was the defining performance of the match, while Chaudhary's partnership with Bhati and incisive spell ensured Punjab never found a foothold in the chase. It was their second consecutive win in the tournament....