Ranji Trophy: Menaria scores ton as Rajasthan reach 257 for 2 on Day One

New Delhi: Ashok Menaria scored a superb unbeaten century to help defending champions Rajasthan score 257 for two on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy Elite Division match against Railways on Thursday.

Menaria remained unbeaten on 142 off 267 balls with the help of 13 fours and two sixes and he was being given company at the draw of stumps by Robin Bist on 85 after Rajasthan opted to bat at the Karnail Singh Stadium here. Though Rajasthan did not get off to a good start, losing both the openers -- skipper Aakash Chopra (0) and Vineet Saxena (9) -- cheaply, Menaria and Bist stitched an unbeaten 240-run stand for the third wicket to help the team take an upper hand. While Menaria took his chances and went for the shots, Bist`s 85 not out came from 271 balls, studded with nine fours. For Railways, JP Yadav (one for 43) and Anureet Singh (one for 90) were the only two bowlers who could take a wicket each. Rajasthan have only two points from two draws as in the matches they have conceded the first innings lead, while Railways are yet to open their accounts with two losses from as many number of matches. Brief scores: Rajasthan first innings: 257 for 2 in 92 overs (Ashok Menaria not out 142, Robin Bist not out 85; JP Yadav 1/43). PTI