Rajasthan grab three points against MP in Ranji Trophy

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Rajasthan grabbed three crucial points, courtesy their first innings lead, after their Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh ended in a draw at the KL Saini Ground, here today.

Rajasthan had taken a first innings lead of 123 runs after posting 379 in response to Madhya Pradesh's 256.

The visitors declared their second essay at 466 for six and then reduced the hosts to 88 for four by stumps on the fourth and final day.

Resuming their second innings at an overnight score of 200 for one, Madhya Pradesh saw their second wicket fall in the seventh over of the day when SD Choudhary was dismissed at 34 after adding just one more run today.

Naman Ojha, who was unbeaten at 102 yesterday, was the next to go when he was sent packing by Rituraj Singh after being caught by Vineet Saxena.

MP skipper Devendra Bundela then scored a 65-ball 48, which included nine boundaries. Udit Birla produced a 76-ball 51, laced with six hits to the fence.

Lower-order batsmen Jalaj S Saxena (76) and Rameez Khan (54) then forged an unbeaten 145 run seventh wicket partnership, before MP declared at 466-6.

Saxena hit nine fours and two sixes, while Khan had 10 fours in his 104-ball innings.

Rajasthan then scored 88 for four by stumps with Robin Bisht and Rituraj Singh unbeaten on 37 and giving him company was P R Yadav on 4.

Brief Score:

Madhya Pradesh 256 & 466/6 in 129.0 overs (Jalaj S Saxena 76 not out; Pankaj Singh 2/94)

Rajasthan 379 and 88 for four in 21 overs. (R Bisht 37, R Singh 33; J Saxena 2/25).