Pandey, Pawan propel Karnataka to 255 for 4 against Uttar Pradesh

Half centuries from Manish Pandey  (66) and KB Pawan (52) helped Karnataka make a steady 255 for four on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy semifinal against Uttar Pradesh at the M Chinnaswamy stadium here today.

A composed Rahul Dravid (37 batting) and R Vinay Kumar (7 batting) were at the crease, promising to consolidate the hosts' position on a hurriedly prepared slow and low deck.

Opting to bat, Karnataka began on a sedate note, with Robin Uthappa (32) and KB Pawan producing a 42-run stand for the first wicket. Uthappa was in good nick before committing hara kiri, unsuccessfully attempting to paddle sweep left-arm spinner Praveen Gupta.

Umpire Sanjay Hazare had no hesitation whatsoever in adjudging Uthappa leg before the wicket.

Pawan, a prolific run-getter this season, frustrated Uttar Pradesh with his dour defence in the company of a confidence-personified Ganesh Satish (49).

They were in complete command before left-arm medium pacer RP Singh produced two wickets in five balls, having Pawan and Satish snared behind the wickets by Amir Khan.

But Dravid, in imperious form this Ranji season, and Manish Pandey, thwarted the sudden Uttar Pradesh surge, raising 108 runs for the fourth wicket. Pandey was the dominant partner, punching through the off and driving through the on with élan.