Ojha century takes MP to 278/3 on Day One against Haryana

Rohtak: Naman Ojha cracked his second successive century with a strokeful 160 to put Madhya Pradesh in a strong position on 278 for three on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Division match against Haryana on Tuesday.

The wicketkeeper and opening batsman smashed 22 fours and five sixes during his 160-run knock, which he made from 226 balls after Madhya Pradesh elected to bat at Bansi Lal Cricket Stadium here. He had scored a match-winning 107 in Madhya Pradesh`s second innings against Delhi in Indore on Friday. Ojha shared two substantial partnerships also during his productive knock -- 102 for the opening wicket from 39.2 overs with Zafar Ali (38) and 101 for the third wicket from 25.1 overs with captain Devendra Bundela (25 not out). On both occasions, he outscored his partners with a flurry of fours and sixes. At stumps, Bundela and Udit Birla (29 not out) were at the crease. For Haryana, Harshal Patel grabbed two wickets for 41 runs, while Ashish Hooda took one for 78. Madhya Pradesh are safe for a knock-out berth from Group B with 13 points from four matches before this tie while Haryana are still in a tricky situation with eight points from four matches. Brief Scores: Madhya Pradesh: 278 for 3 in 90 overs (Naman Ojha 160; Harshal Patel 2/41). PTI