Bengal vs Uttar Pradesh Match Preview – January 8, 2026 (03:30 GMT)

As the 2026 domestic cricket season heats up, one of the most anticipated clashes in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will take place on January 8, 2026, when Bengal faces Uttar Pradesh. The match, set to begin at 03:30 GMT, promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams with strong batting lineups and versatile bowling units.

Match Overview

The Bengal vs Uttar Pradesh contest is shaping up as a battle of skill and strategy. Both teams have shown promising form in recent matches, and this encounter will test their ability to adapt to the pitch and weather conditions. The focus will be on top-order consistency and death-over bowling as the key factors that could determine the outcome.

Pitch Conditions

The venue, which remains undisclosed, is expected to offer a balanced pitch that supports both pace and spin. This makes team versatility a crucial factor. Teams with a balanced squad of batters and bowlers across disciplines are likely to have the upper hand.

Key Players to Watch

Bengal

• Mohammed Shami: The star pacer has been in excellent form, consistently delivering high wicket returns.
• Sudip Gharami: A rising star in the domestic circuit, Gharami has been a high-value pick for fantasy players (512 points).
• Sayan Ghosh: A key death-over bowler for Bengal, Ghosh is expected to play a pivotal role in the final overs (672 points).

Uttar Pradesh

• Priyam Garg: The right-handed opener has been in good touch and is a reliable pick for fantasy teams (high points potential).
• Aryan Juyal: A wicketkeeper with good batting potential, Juyal is recommended as a small league pick (227 points).
• Zeeshan Ansari: A versatile all-rounder, Ansari has been highlighted as a small league pick (451 points).

Team Predictions and Fantasy Picks

Small League Must Picks

• Bengal: Sayan Ghosh, Sudip Gharami
• Uttar Pradesh: Zeeshan Ansari, Aryan Juyal

Grand League Risky Picks

• Bengal: Anustup Majumdar, Vishal Sunil Bhati
• Uttar Pradesh: Aaditya Sharma, Siddarth Goud

Strategic Recommendations

Given the current form and depth of players, Bengal is slightly favored in this encounter. Fantasy players are advised to lean more towards Bengal's squad, especially for the key roles of bowling in the death overs and consistent batting in the middle overs.

Captain and Vice-Captain Choices

Based on performance data and recent form, the following players are recommended as captain and vice-captain options:

• Abhimanyu Easwaran
• Prashant Veer
• Priyam Garg
• Shahbaz Ahmed

Broadcast & Live Scores

• Live scores and updates: Possible11.com, Cricbuzz, and ESPNcricinfo
• Fantasy tips and updates: Keep checking the Possible11 app for real-time insights and changes in player form or conditions.

Final Thoughts

The Bengal vs Uttar Pradesh match on January 8, 2026, is set to be an exciting contest with high stakes for fantasy cricket players. With the pitch favoring all-round play, the battle between the bowlers and batters will be crucial. Fantasy teams with a balanced squad and a focus on Bengal's death-over specialists are expected to perform well.

Stay tuned for more updates and fantasy picks as the match approaches.
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