LUCKNOW, Nov. 9 -- Sparkling and unbeaten centuries by Madhav Kaushik and Aryan Juyal set the tone for hosts and former champions Uttar Pradesh to post a big total on Day One of their four-day Elite Group A encounter against lowly Nagaland in Kanpur on Saturday. The two batters put Uttar Pradesh in command as they seek their maiden win of the new domestic season in Kanpur especially after failing to extract a win in the previous two games on the home turf of the Green Park Stadium. Both Kaushik and Juyal made full use of the opportunity after skipper and Delhi-boy Karan Sharma chose to bat first after winning the toss as Uttar Pradesh finished the day at 301/1 at stumps. Infact, openers Abhishek Goswami and Madhav Kaushik put together a rock-solid partnership of 118 for the first wicket. Goswami, also a Delhi-boy showed positive intent during his 55, ensuring a steady start before falling to Nagaland's left-arm spinner Imliwati Lemtur-the visitors' lone success of the day. Kaushik then found the ideal ally in former captain Aryan Juyal, and the pair launched an unbroken stand that left Nagaland's bowlers short of answers. At close, Kaushik remained unbeaten on a composed 120 from 268 balls, patiently guiding UP's innings with patient play and nine well-timed boundaries. Juyal, equally impressive, finished the day 118 not out from 172 deliveries, his knock highlighted by 15 boundaries and measured shot selection. The duo's mammoth 183-run partnership for the second wicket not only blunted Nagaland's bowling but also showcased their temperament and adaptability-traits crucial in the grind of first-class cricket. UP's cautious approach, especially from Kaushik, who scored at a 44.78 strike rate, may have slightly slowed the scoring rate, but it underscored the team's strategy of laying a rock-solid foundation before launching an all-out assault. With the scoreboard reading 301/1 and an extremely deep batting line-up still to come, UP look set to push past 500 on Day 2 and pile pressure on a struggling Nagaland outfit. The match is especially pivotal for Uttar Pradesh, who currently stand mid-table in the points tally and are chasing their first win of the 2025-26 season....