It's almost all over for Uttar Pradesh in CK Naydu Trophy semi vs Punjab

Even after losing the wicket of Aryaman Dhaliwal at the stroke of the second day's play on Wednesday evening, Punjab's coach and former India star VRV Singh was smiling as he knew that it's going to be a difficult task for the hosts and former champions Uttar Pradesh to chase down the big total.

- Sharad Deep

KANPUR:

Even on Thursday, Singh's boys didn't declare the innings and went on posting 655 after resuming at the overnight score of 649. Thereafter, it was usual business for them, with their good show with the red cherry also as his bowlers managed to remove six Uttar Pradesh batters at 218 and leave the hosts struggling in their first innings on the penultimate day of their four-day semi-final of the Under-23 CK Nayudu Trophy here.

Last year's runners-up Uttar Pradesh still needs 437 runs on the final day of the encounter on Friday with the last recognised batting pair on the crease in the form of Sameer Rizvi (8) and Mohd Amaan (44).