LUCKNOW, Jan. 12 -- Former champions Uttar Pradesh bowlers had to struggle hard against Mumbai on the opening day of their four-day quarterfinal of the Under-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy as the rivals managed to post 333/5, at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium in Anand on Sunday. Krishna Yadav remained the most impressive bowler for Uttar Pradesh with 3/72, whereas Aarav Tyagi and Rudra Sharma shared two wickets between them, but Mumbai batters enjoyed their day, scoring at 3.78 runs per over in 88 overs. Arjun Gadya and Karthik Kumar were at the crease at the draw of stumps on Day One. In fact, Mumbai betters never allowed Uttar Pradesh bowlers to dictate terms while batting first after winning the toss as openers Aayush Shete and Rishabh S added 76 runs for the first wicket. Rishabh was first to go after being caught by Aalok Kumar off Rudra Sharma. He made 71-ball 39 with the help of seven hits to the fence. There was no respite for Uttar Pradesh bowlers even then as skipper Shete added 32 runs for the second wicket with Aayush Shinde (39, 80b, 5x4, 1x6) before being trapped leg before wicket by Krishna. Shete's 91-ball 54 was studded with eight boundaries. Harsh Shailesh Kadam, who scored 89-ball 72 with the help of 10 fours and a six was bowled by Krishna but before that he added 76 runs for the third wicket with Shinde, and then 43 runs for the fourth wicket with Gadoya. Keeper-batter Devashish Ghodke (3) remained the only batter, who couldn't touch the double-figure mark, but it was Gadoya, who kept the scoreboard moving at a consistent pace as he alongwith Karthik added unbeaten 95 runs for the sixth wicket. Gadoya was batting at 89, which came off 109 balls with the help of 14 boundaries, Karthik was unbeaten at 60-ball 28, which contained three boundaries and a six. Uttar Pradesh would be required to claim the remaining five Mumbai wickets as soon as possible when the second day's play begins on Monday....