Vijay Merchant Trophy: Chelladurai helps TN take first-innings lead against UP

Kanpur: Medium pacer Pooli Chelladurai Raja D's impressive six-wicket haul helped Tamil Nadu secure a narrow but crucial nine-run first-innings lead against Uttar Pradesh on the second day of their Vijay Merchant Trophy match at the KSCA Navule Stadium here.Uttar Pradesh were bowled out for 260 in their first innings in reply to Tamil Nadu's 269. At stumps, Tamil Nadu reached 43 for 1 in 14 overs in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 52 runs with nine wickets in hand. Rishabh Sriram (19*) and Rokith R (5*) were at the crease when the umpires called off play for the day. UP's first innings revolved around opener Hitesh Kumar, who top-scored with a fluent 80 off 108 balls, including 14 boundaries. He added a vital 86-run partnership for the third wicket with Arush Gupta, giving UP hope of overtaking Tamil Nadu's total. Earlier, in the morning session, Hitesh and Atharva Singh resumed the innings and put on 41 runs off 48 balls for the second wicket. Pooli Chelladurai broke the partnership by dismissing Atharva Singh (12), caught by Arya Ganesh. Hitesh then combined with Arush to steady the innings before Pooli struck again to remove Hitesh. Rishi Kannan accounted for Arush Gupta, who made a composed 53 off 100 balls with five boundaries, while Abhishek S later dismissed Anay Awasthi for 32, reducing UP to 209 for 9. In between, UP lost five wickets cheaply, with none of the batters able to reach double figures. The last-wicket pair of Prithviraj Singh and Krishna Yadav then mounted a spirited resistance, adding 52 runs for the tenth wicket after UP were reeling at 208 for 9. Just when it appeared UP might gain a first-innings lead, Pooli Chelladurai struck once more, taking a sharp return catch to dismiss Prithviraj Singh for 27. Krishna Yadav remained unbeaten on 26 off 45 balls. Pooli Chelladurai finished as the chief destroyer with six wickets, well supported by Abhishek S, who claimed three wickets for 44 runs. With a modest but important lead already in hand and nine wickets remaining, Tamil Nadu will look to build a decisive advantage on the third day. Brief scores: Tamil Nadu first innings 269 and second innings – 1 for 43 (Dhanvanth Anamagad 12, Rishabh Sriram batting 19, Rokith R batting 5, Krishna Yadav 1 for 0) UP first innings – 260 (Hitesh Kumar 80, Ayansh Sanu 4, Atharva Singh 12, Arush Gupta 53, Anay Awasthi 32, Aalok Kumar 5, Aryan Tyagi 5, Aarav Tyagi 0, Parth Shukla 1, Prithviraj Singh 27, Krishna Yadav 26 not out, Pooli Chelladurai Raja D 6 for 75, Rishi Kannan 1 for 57, Abhishek S 3 for 44).