Uttar Pradesh were in the driver's seat speeding into the final, in the three day Vijay Merchant Trophy (under-16) semifinal against Punjab at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday. After having bowled out Punjab cheaply for 160 on the first day, UP got to the all important first innings lead with ease. At close of play UP were sitting pretty with 248/4 in 92 overs.

Earlier in the day resuming at 4/0 UP got off to a commanding start thanks to their opening pair of the Shuklas. Shiva Kant Shukla was the first to be dismissed for 34, caught and bowled by Vipul Sharma at 86. Shiva hit five boundaries in his 110 minute vigil at the crease. Vipul made another quick breakthrough, removing Tahir Abbas for six to leave UP at 94/2.

Ravi Kant Shukla carried on his good form and was distinctly unlucky to miss out on the three figure mark as he was dismissed for 92 at 142. Before being bowled by Ankur Jand, Ravi was at the crease for 205 minutes, facing 177 balls and smashing 14 boundaries. Aris Alam and Rahat Ilahi got together and saw that UP got past the first innings score of Punjab and carried on to make their individual half centuries. Rahat Ilahi was bowled by Gursharan Singh for 51. Ilahi had faced 106 balls, striking eight boundaries in his 132 minute long innings. At close of play Aris Alam remained unbeaten on 52 with Alok Singh on eight.

© CricInfo