Lucknow: Karan Sharma’s superb unbeaten century and Shivam Mavi’s valuable half-century lifted Uttar Pradesh into a strong position after a shaky start against Puducherry on the second day of their Ranji Trophy match at Siechem Stadium in Puducherry on Tuesday. At stumps, Uttar Pradesh were 328 for 9 after 121 overs.Resuming at their overnight score of 67 for 4 after 37 overs, with Karan on 17 and Aaradhya Yadav on 2, Uttar Pradesh added 25 runs for the fifth wicket before Aaradhya (15) was dismissed by Udeshi.After his departure, Zeeshan Ansari (19) shared an important 42-run sixth-wicket partnership with Karan off 96 balls before falling to Ankit Sharma at 128 for 6. Shivam Mavi then came in at No. 7 and made a major contribution. He and Karan added a crucial 87 runs off 164 balls for the seventh wicket. Returning to action after injury and rehabilitation, Mavi struck a fine 50 off 88 balls, including five boundaries and a six, before being dismissed by Karan Kannan at 215 for 7 in 86.3 overs.After Mavi’s dismissal, Kartik Yadav joined Karan, and the pair added 39 runs for the eighth wicket before Kartik, who made 16, was dismissed by Udeshi at 254 for 8 in 99.6 overs. Tailender Yash Dayal then contributed 3 runs and supported Karan in a 52-run ninth-wicket partnership off 94 balls before he, too, was dismissed by Udeshi at 306 for 9 in 115.4 overs.Karan Sharma played a magnificent innings, remaining unbeaten on 162 off 328 balls, with 13 fours and six sixes.Speaking to TOI, Karan Sharma said, “We were focused on building a big partnership. Zeeshan and I were shaping one nicely, but he got out. Even then, I put together a substantial stand with Shivam Mavi, which helped us reach a good total. Tomorrow as well, our aim will be to avoid losing wickets and put up a big score.” Meanwhile, UP coach Gyanendra Pandey said, “Karan Sharma played a superb innings, and his partnership with Mavi helped put up a strong total. The key now is that neither of them loses their wicket tomorrow, so they can continue batting for a long time and build an even bigger score.
