Even honours in Central Zone Ranji matches

Honours were shared on Day One of a fresh batch of Central Zone Ranji Trophy matches held in Indore and Delhi. Uttar Pradesh, winning the toss at Indore, surprisingly put Madhya Pradesh in to bat. Sachin Dholpure, making his first-class debut for Madhya Pradesh, provided a solid start to his side's innings, making 64 off 165 balls, with 11 fours.

His effort, however, remained the only highlight of Madhya Pradesh's innings; Uttar Pradesh seemed to break any partnerships that started to seem ominous. At the close of Day One, Madhya Pradesh's score stood at 246/5. Nikhil Patwardhan (43*) and captain Sulakshan Kulkarni (33*) were at the crease; Kulkarni, incidentally, made a return to firstclass cricket following an announcement of retirement in February 2000.

Playing Rajasthan at the site of their recent victory over Uttar Pradesh, Railways won the toss and elected to bat at the Karnail Singh Stadium, Delhi. Although Jai Yadav departed quickly, Sanjay Bangar and Amit Pagnis ensured their team a solid start.

Bangar was stumped for 41, made off 63 balls, but Pagnis found another able partner in Yere Goud, who continued his good form with the bat. The duo piled up 118 runs before Goud was caught behind, also for 41. Pagnis found few partners after that; wickets fell at the other end and, although he completed his century in fine style, he could not convert it into a bigger knock. Lokesh Jain finally had him LBW for 126, made off 241 balls with 11 fours.

Railways did not get much further; at the close of play, the side was 271/8. Murali Kartik (18*) and Kulamani Parida (0*) were at the crease at close of play.