Ranji Trophy: Half centuries by Murali Vijay, Shankar propel Tamil Nadu

Jaipur: Fine half centuries by India Test opener Murali Vijay (96) and Vijay Shankar (90 n.O.) enabled Tamil Nadu reach 234 for four at the close on the first day in their Ranji Trophy quarterfinal clash against Vidarbha at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium here.

A 140-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Vijay and Shankar helped Tamil Nadu recover from a shaky start. At stumps on day one, Shankar was unbeaten on 90 off 215 balls, studded with 11 fours and a six, and giving him company at the other end was R Prasanna on 10.

Earlier, Vidarbha won the toss and put Tamil Nadu in to bat on a wicket which looked to assist the seamers. The strategy seemed to have worked, as after a delayed start Tamil Nadu lost opener Abhinav Mukund (11) in the fifth over and a little later Baba Aprajit (10) ran himself out when the total was just 41 in the 14th over. Tamil Nadu were 50 for two at lunch but Vijay was going strong at one end. 

Immediately after the break, Tamil Nadu lost Dinesh Karthik (4) but Vijay found a reliable partner in Shankar. The Indian opener reached his fifty and looked all set for a ton but missed out holing out to Fazal off R D Thakur. His innings came off 203 deliveries, which included 13 fours and two sixes. Undeterred by Murali's departure, Shankar continued to play his shots and remained unbeaten till the end of the day. 

For Vidarbha, Thakur was the most successful bowler picking two for 31, while S B Waugh took one for 40.\

Brief scores:

TN: 234 for four in 87 overs (Murali Vijay 96, Vijay Shankar 90 not out; R D Thakur 2/31) vs Vidarbha.