Priyam, Akshdeep keep UP’s flag flying high

LUCKNOW: Sparkling half centuries by Priyam Garg and skipper Akshdeep Nath helped former champions Uttar Pradesh take five-run first innings lead against hosts Services in their Elite Group C Ranji Trophy match in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Priyam Garg struck 152-ball 88 with the help of 13 hits to the fence, whereas Akshdeep made 126-ball 56, which contained six boundaries and a six as Uttar Pradesh posted 265/5 in 85 overs at the end of day two in the four-day encounter. At the Airforce Complex Ground in Palam, Rinku Singh (18) and night-watchman Shivam Mavi (1) were at the crease at draw of stumps on Wednesday.

Uttar Pradesh got off to a slow start as openers Madhav Kaushik (21, 44b, 4x4) and Mohammad Saif (33, 98b, 4x4) stitched together 34 runs in 14.3 overs before Kaushik being caught by Devender Lohchab off Sachidanand Pandey.

But a 61-run second wicket partnership between Saif and Priyam kept the scoreboard ticking. Priyam was aggressive as well as calculative in his shot selection and punched the ball well. His 93-run third wicket stand with Akshdeep helped the side cross 150-run mark.

Former captain Suresh Raina, who could score just 10 run in his previous match, looked a bit settle in the middle, hitting 57-ball 41, which included five fours and a six. Seamers Diwesh Gurdev Pathania remained the most successful bowler for Services, bagging 3/64.