LUCKNOW, Nov. 16 -- An all-round performance by Prashant Veer and a sparkling unbeaten century by Kavya Teotia helped spirited Uttar Pradesh notch up their consecutive win in the Men's U23 State Trophy, crushing Himachal Pradesh by 73 runs at Jaipur on Saturday. Playing just his first match in the category after playing just two Ranji Trophy matches this season in his domestic cricket debut, Amethi's Veer smacked 57-ball 79 with the help of eight boundaries and three sixes to help Uttar Pradesh post 348/6 and then took 5/62 to get Himachal Pradesh out for 275. Despite having a good start with openers Sagar Malhan (39) and Atula Jaswal (40) stitching together 52 runs in just 8.2 overs, Himachal Pradesh couldn't take control of the proceedings and lost wickets on regular intervals before being bowled in 46.2 overs. An 86-run fourth wicket partnership between skipper Vaibhav S Kalta (26) and Amanpreet Singh (85) remained the best for Himachal Pradesh, Arnav Jamwal (25) was the other key run getter. In fact, it was left-arm spinner Veer, who set the tone for UP's victory as he didn't allow Himachal Pradesh batters to free their arms. He had the wickets of Atul Jaswal, Arnav Jamwal, Daksh N Thakur, Rishit N Thakur and Sahil Sharma. Veer was well supported by another slow bowler, Rituraj Sharma, who bagged 3/34, whereas captain Sameer Rizvi took 1/18. Earlier after being sent to bat first, Uttar Pradesh batters made full use of the placid turf of the KL Saini Stadium, posted at challenging total in 50 overs at 6.96 runs per over. Though they lost three quick wickets for 49/3 in 10.5 overs, opener Kavya Teotia didn't lose courage and kept the scoreboard ticking on at a fast pace. An 89-run stand for the fourth wicket between Teotia and Sameer Rizvi brought Uttar Pradesh out from early setbacks. Rizvi scored run-a-ball 43 with the help of four hits to the fence before being caught by Amanpreet Singh off Rishit Thakur. Teotia also added vital 26 runs for the fifth wicket with Ritik Vatsa (25, 24b, 1x4, 2x6), but it was Veer, who then shouldered the responsibility well, adding 139 runs for the sixth wicket. Veer's 57-ball 79 was studded with eight boundaries and three sixes. Thereafter, Teotia along with Akshu Bajwa (24, 5b, 1x4, 3x6), who scored at a strike rate of 480, guided the side post a big total. Teotia remained unbeaten on 138, which came off 132 balls with the help of 10 boundaries and four sixes. Prashant Kumar remained the most successful bowler for Himachal Pradesh, bagging 3/78. With their third win in as many matches, Uttar Pradesh raced to second position in Elite Group D with 12 points, behind Tamil Nadu (12 points). Uttar Pradesh now play their next league match against third positioned Vidarbha (8 points) on Monday. Young left-arm orthodox spinner Kartik Yadav is all set to make his first-class debut for former champions Uttar Pradesh as he has been drafted in the side for the crucial Elite Group A Ranji Trophy match against Tamil Nadu, beginning Monday in Coimbatore. After doing wonders at this year's UPT20 League here in Lucknow, Prayagraj's Yadav has been in terrific form this season with 24 wickets for former champions Uttar Pradesh in the first phase of the Under-23 Col CK Nayudu Trophy at an economy of just 2.37. With four five-wickets haul, Yadav also did well in the first two matches of the ongoing Men's U23 State A Trophy at Jaipur before rushing to Coimbatore to strengthen the Uttar Pradesh's bowling unit, especially in the absence of bowling all-rounder Vipraj Nigam, who is busy with India A in the three-match unofficial one-day series against South Africa A. In this match, Team India's T20 specialist Rinku Singh will also be in the Playing XI and his presence is a big boost for the side. He has already scored an unbeaten 165 in his only match of the Ranji Trophy this season....