Rajkot: A patient unbeaten hundred by opener Yash Dubey helped Madhya Pradesh (MP) reach 218/2 on the opening day of their crucial Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match against Kerala here on Thursday.
Knowing very well that the first innings lead could be vital in case the match ends in a draw, MP adopted a slow and steady approach.
After electing to bat, openers Himanshu Mantri (23) and Dubey added 62 in 24.4 overs. Jalaj Saxena was the lone successful Kerala bowler in the first session.
Left-arm spinner Sijomon Joseph sent back Shubham Sharma (11) shortly after lunch. However, Dubey (105 batting) and Rajat Patidar (75 batting) denied the Kerala bowlers any further success and took MP to a strong position. The two have so far added 130 off 342 balls for the third wicket.
Dubey hit 15 fours in his 264-ball knock. Patidar was the more aggressive partner and smashed 13 fours in his 183-ball stint.
Kerala made one change as pacer Basil N P replaced rookie Edhen Apple Tom in their playing eleven.
Both teams have 13 points each after winning both their encounters in the four-team group. Only the toppers will qualify for the knockout phase.
Brief scores: MP 218/2 in 90 overs (Yash Dubey 105 batting, Rajat Patidar 75 batting; Jalaj Saxena 1/41, Sijomon Joseph 1/54) vs Kerala.
