Ranji Trophy: Adarsh Singh and Madhav Kaushik Smash Centuries in Record 309-Run Stand Against Baroda

Adarsh Singh and Madhav Kaushik, the two Uttar Pradesh openers, had what was the highest opening stand for their state in the Ranji Trophy on Day 3 of their match with Baroda at Kanpur on Wednesday, as they hit centuries to form a 309-run stand.

When the veterans Madhav got back in action after 196 overnight, they had to fight hard with Baroda bowlers as they rushed to post a first innings lead of 100 with Adarsh contributing 162 (276b, 17x4, 3x6) and seasoned Madhav posting 137 (279b, 15x4, 1x6).

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This is the highest partnership score by UP pair, which is better than the previous record of 197 runs achieved by Shivam Chaudhary and Almas Shaukat in 2016. It took UP control with a day to go. Baroda had 355 in 115.3 overs when they chose to bat at the start.

The hosts had built a solid foundation for the reply in the overnight session with Adarsh and Madhav taking UP the total of 196 runs for 0 in 55 overs to take the lead in the second day match. Adarsh (96) and Kaushik (90) put a damper on Baroda's bowling efforts.

Adarsh, who played his first game as a 20-year-old left-hander, played with a lot of composure, hit some good shots and made smart contact after contact. The more experienced Kaushik was as steadfast and the two blossomed after their centuries.

After the day's action, former India U-19 batter Adarsh said that scoring a hundred on debut is a big achievement and it's a dream come true for him. I wanted to make a point in this match, I just played merit ball, I did not try anything special, I have been good.

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The partnership played 90.1 overs and the openers proved to be very disciplined. The left arm spinner Bhargav Bhatt and off-spinner Mahesh Pithiya both led the Baroda attack, but failed to make any headway as the openers took the pressure and played the strike.

Madhav has finally been the man to go when he was caught by wicket keeper Mitesh Patel off Bhargav Bhatt. After the first few overs Adarsh was leg before Pithiya but UP went on to dominate the game. Skipper Aryan Juyal replaced him, hitting five fours and a six in a composed 67 off 109 deliveries, before being leg before trapped by Pithiya. Rinku Singh made 23 off 36 deliveries.

In the middle order, however, the bowlers had to put up with Karan Sharma out for 10. Siddarth Yadav and Prashant Veer were caught by Pithiya in the air for two and 14 respectively. Shivam Mavi was still unbeaten on 13 with Kartik Yadav unscored.

Pithiya proved to be the most successful bowler for Baroda as he picked up five wickets and Bhatt picked up two wickets.

Brief scores: Baroda 355. Uttar Pradesh 455/8 in 133 ovs (Adarsh Singh 162, Madhav Kaushik 137, Arun Juyal 67, Bhargav Bhatt 2/138, Mahesh Pithiya 5/112).

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