UP scores 400 against Nagaland in Ranji Trophy

Kanpur: Opener Madhav Kaushik and Dhruv Chand Jurel's fine centuries and their 247 runs partnership pushed UP to gain a strong position with a score of 3 for 400 against host Nagaland on the opening day of the four-day Ranji trophy march played at Nagaland Cricket stadium on Tuesday. For the host, inviting the visitors to bat first, proved dear as UP amassed 400 runs in 90 overs and lost just 3 wickets. Opener Madhav Kaushik and Dhruv Chand Jurel gave a fine start adding 247 runs in their partnership during which they tore the Nagaland attack and sent the fielders to every corner of the field.
R Jonathan got success in separating them when he claimed Madhav who had just completed his century. He had scored 107 runs in 172 balls hitting 10 boundaries and a six. But Dhruv was in full form and returned unbeaten on 194 runs when the umpires called the day. He faced 276 balls and hit 20 boundaries and 2 sixes. It was hoped that he would complete his double century but at the fag end, he batted cautiously and returned unbeaten.
Dhruv thereafter executed an unbeaten 102 runs partnership with Rinku Singh for the fourth wicket. Rinju Singh at close was batting on 58 runs scored in 61 runs plundering 6 hits to the fence.bCaptain Karan Sharma once again failed with the bat as he contributed 14 runs. Priyam Garg also failed to play a big innings as he could score 10 runs before returning. Jonathan bagged all the three wickets. UP, in its first match, had lost to Bengal after gaining the upper hand in the first innings. Now to keep themselves in the race for the knockout, they need an outright win in this match.
Talking to TOI, manager Kanhaiya Lal Tejwani praised the unbeaten innings of Dhruv Chand Jurel and said that he was batting very well and a sound start had helped UP to go for a big score so that UP bowlers could take 20 wickets in the remaining time. He hoped that UP would register a win against the host in this match.
Brief score: UP first innings- 3 for 400 (Madhav Kaushik 107, Dhruv Chand Jurel 194, Priyam Garg 10, Karan Sharma 14, Rinku Singh 58, Jonathan 3 for 104).