Rajat, Naved slam centuries asRaj take crucial lead against UP

Kanpur: Rajat Singh Baghel and Naved Khan struck magnificent centuries and shared a 188-run partnership for the fifth wicket as Rajasthan posted 450 for 6 in their first innings against Uttar Pradesh, taking a first-innings lead on the third day of their four-day Cooch Behar Trophy Under-19 match at the Solitaire Cricket Ground on Friday.After the opening day was marred by bad light and fog, Uttar Pradesh's first innings folded for 178, with Rajasthan building up a lead of 272 runs and four wickets in hand. The third day was dominated by Rajasthan batsmen Rajat Singh Baghel and Naved Khan, who scored 171 and an unbeaten 166 respectively. Rajasthan lost two quick wickets in the morning, Jatin and Aditya Saini, for the addition of just 10 runs. However, Rajat and Naved not only repaired the damage but also turned the course of the match. The pair were separated when Yuvraj stumped Rajat Singh Baghel off Bhavi Sharma for 171, which came off 200 balls and included 19 boundaries and nine sixes. In the partnership, Rajat contributed 125 runs, while Naved chipped in with 61. After Rajat's dismissal, Naved took responsibility and, in the company of Kushagra Ojha, baffled the UP bowlers and fielders by adding 152 runs in 169 balls in an unbeaten seventh-wicket stand. For UP, Aayan Akram and Aditya Kumar Singh were the main wicket-takers, picking up two and three wickets respectively. Brief Scores: UP first innings – 178Rajasthan first innings – 6 for 450 (Rajat Singh Baghel 171, Naved Khan batting 166, Kushagra Ojha 48; Ayan Akram 2/127, Aditya Kumar Singh 3/88).