Goswami, Juyal help UP build massive lead over Bihar

Lucknow: Abhishek Goswami's superlative 198-run effort and skipper Aryan Juyal's unbeaten ton guided Uttar Pradesh to a commanding position against Bihar on the second day of their Ranji Trophy tie at Moin-ul-Haq Stadium in Patna on Friday. After bundling out Bihar for 248 runs on Day 1, Uttar Pradesh amassed a massive 417 runs for the loss of just two wickets, taking an overall lead of 169 runs with eight wickets in hand. Former India U-19 player Abhishek Goswami, playing only his fifth match, fell just two runs short of a double century. He smashed 198 off 206 balls, studded with 29 boundaries and 3 sixes. Goswami and Madhav Kaushik (63) put up a solid opening stand of 185 runs off 216 balls, providing the team with a strong platform. After Kaushik's dismissal, skipper Aryan Juyal joined Goswami and scored an unbeaten 103 off 163 balls, including 10 boundaries and one six. Together, they added 142 runs off 198 balls for the second wicket before Goswami departed. Karan Sharma later contributed a brisk 90 off 134 balls, building a fiery partnership with Juyal. At stumps, Aryan Juyal and Karan Sharma were at the crease at 103 and 37 runs respectively. Speaking to TOI, Aryan Juyal said this was his third century of the season, and he aims to convert it into a double century. "The wicket was challenging early on, but later it flattened out, and we capitalised on it," he said. Meanwhile, Abhishek Goswami expressed joy over his maiden century in the Ranji Trophy. "I was eagerly waiting for this moment. I got an opportunity after a long time, and my mindset was to make the most of it whenever I got the chance." On missing out on a double ton, he said, "Achieving milestones is always great, but I'm confident I'll get a double century when it's written in my destiny." "I made a Ranji Trophy debut in 2017, and this is the first time I've had consecutive matches to play. That makes a big difference. Consistent opportunities bring out better performances, and when you have the chances, you score runs," he concluded.