Bundela's 144 helps MP to post imposing total

Devendra Bundela's 144 was the mainstay of the Madhya Pradesh innings on the second day of their Ranji Trophy pre quarterfinal against Hyderabad at the Daly college ground in Indore on Sunday. Thanks chiefly to his 280-ball innings, MP were able to post an imposing total of 490 in their first innings. At stumps Hyderabad were 34 for no loss.

MP, who batted patiently to score 216 for two off 90 overs on Saturday were a bit more enterprising on the second day, taking 78.3 overs to make 274 runs. Opening batsman HS Sodhi was a bit unlucky to miss his century. He was run out for 89 after a 474-minute vigil at the crease. He faced 320 balls and hit nine fours. He and Bundela added 175 runs for the third wicket off 70.5 overs.

Bundela and Abbas Ali (57) then carried on the good work by adding 95 runs for the fourth wicket off 21.3 overs. At this stage, Bundela was out after having batted 384 minutes. The 23-year-old right hander faced 280 balls and hit 19 fours and a six.

Jai P Yadav then hit up a bright 44 off 54 balls with six hits to the ropes. The tail too chipped in and MP almost topped the 500 run mark. The bowling honours were shared by off spinners, young NS Yadav (4 for 114) and veteran Kanwaljit Singh (4 for 95).

Hyderabad openers Daniel Manohar (18) and M Srinivas (13) batted confidently for the nine overs till close of play. But Hyderabad still have a lot of work ahead of them.