India, Oct. 26 -- Former Ranji Trophy champions Uttar Pradesh endured a frustrating day with the bat as they reached 67/4 in 37 overs at stumps against hosts Pondicherry on the opening day of their Elite Group A clash at the Cricket Association Puducherry stadium on Monday.

Persistent rain allowed only 37 overs of play after Pondicherry opted to bowl. Bad light then brought an early end to the proceedings. Having won their first two games, UP had the momentum, but their innings never gained rhythm.

Their trouble began in the first over when Abhishek Goswami was bowled by Gaurav Yadav for two, extending his poor run with the bat. The 28-year-old has scored only 20 runs in five innings this Ranji season, after being dismissed for 13 again...