MP limping at 109 for 4, chasing Haryana's 302 first innings score

Rohtak, Dec 10 (UNI) A disciplined performance by Haryana bowlers caught Madhya Pradesh limping at 109 for four after SS Vishwanathan's gritty innings of 63 helped the hosts put up a respectable total of 302 in their first innings on the second day of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group 'B' match here today.

Earlier, resuming their first innings at the overnight 268 for seven, Haryana added 34 today before being dismised for 302.

The highlight of the hosts' innings was Vishwanathan's patient 63 which came off 225 balls and studded with only four hits to the fence.

However, his fighting innings was cut short by S Pandey who was the most impressive of the MP bowlers, picking up three wickets for 58.

Apart from Pandey, Sunil Dholpure, M Ali, A Jadhav (two wickets each) and J Saxena (one) were the other wicket-takers for the touring side.

Meanwhile, the visitors determined to make a good start, received an early jolt when they lost their opener J Saxena for a duck.

However, his partner N Ojha played a steady innings of 45 (129 balls, 9x4s) before he was clean-bowled by G Vashisht.

After Saxena's dismissal, Madhya Pradesh lost wickets in regular intervals, the effect of which very much reflected on their run rate, which was mere 2.10 at the close of the play.

At the end of the day, Rahul Bakshi (13, 30 balls, 2x4s) was on the crease with B Tomar (4, 21 balls).

For Haryana, A Mishra was the most successful bowler scalping two wickets for just 17 runs, while S Rana and G Vashisht picked up one each.

UNI