Tamil Nadu stared at defeat after Uttar Pradesh set them a mammoth target of 421 on a day when 14 wickets fell in their Ranji Trophy Group B match in Chennai on Monday.
Uttar Pradesh all-rounder Ali Murtaza capped a career-best haul of seven for 80 to bowl out Tamil Nadu for 179 in the first innings on the penultimate and third day.
Tamil Nadu bowlers in turn dismissed the visitors for 207 in their second essay but the first innings failure is bound to cost the hosts dearly as they chase a daunting task.
After dismissing Tamil Nadu for 179 in the first innings, UP openers Tanmay Srivastava (27) and Mukul Dagar (65) provided a solid start sharing 65 between them.
Umang Sharma chipped in with a confident 41 but all others made their exit without making any noteworthy contributions.
The eventually team folded for 207 in 71.3 overs. For Tamil Nadu spinners Aushik Srinivas (4/37) and Sunil Sam (3/27) shone well.
In reply, Tamil Nadu were five without loss in one over at draw of stumps on Monday.
Brief Scores:
Uttar Pradesh: 392 and 207 all out in 71.3 overs (M Dagar 65, U Sharma 41, R Aushik Srinivas 4/37)
Tamil Nadu: 179 and 5/0 in one over (A Mukund 5 batting).
