Parvinder, Bhuvneshwar help UP extend lead over Karnataka

Parvinder Singh scored an unbeaten century while Bhuvneshwar Kumar missed out on the three-figure mark by nine runs as Uttar Pradesh extended their overall lead to a massive 445 runs against a toothless Karnataka attack in the Ranji Trophy Group B match, in Meerut, on Monday.

The duo added 230 runs for the fifth wicket to rescue their team from a precarious 88 for four and ended the third day on a strong 343 for five.

Having come together at the fall of Mohammad Kaif's wicket earlier on Monday, the duo showed great determination and did not allow the Karnataka bowlers to dominate the proceedings.

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Parvinder (143 not out) was the more aggressive of the two, not sparing any loose delivery. The right-hander hit 19 fours during his unbeaten stay at the crease.

Bhuvneshwar played the perfect foil to his partner, scoring at a strike rate of just below 36. However, like Parvinder, he also did not spare anything short or wide as he stroked 13 hits to the fence before being stumped by Robin Uthappa off Krishnappa Gowtham.

The exit of Bhuvneshwar brought Piyush Chawala to the crease and the left-hander, in company of Parvinder, added 25 runs for the sixth wicket before stumps were drawn.

Karnataka were dismissed for a meagre 180 on Sunday in response to hosts first innings total of 283.

Brief scores:

Uttar Pradesh: 283 and 343 for 5 in 112 overs (P Singh 143 batting, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 91; Krishnappa Gowtham 49-2).

Karnataka (1st innings): 181.