Ranji Trophy: Dinesh Karthik scores a ton as Tamil Nadu get a point versus MP

Chennai: Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik finally found some form going his way as his 20th first-class century helped hosts Tamil Nadu earn a point against Madhya Pradesh in a Ranji Trophy cricket match, here today.

Karthik's whirlwind 115-ball-129 which had 12 fours and three sixes was ably complemented by Baba Indrajith (63) as Tamil Nadu put up an improved batting performance after following-on, scoring 369.

This left Madhya Pradesh chasing a target of 181 in approximately 50 overs but once left-arm spin duo Rahil Shah (3/32) and R Aushik Srinivas (1/15) reduced MP to 30 for four in 16 overs, there was very little chance for the visitors to go for the chase as they scored 112/4.

India international Naman Ojha (59) and skipper Devendra Bundela (16 no) into his 20th season in Ranji Trophy decided to opt for the safer route of three points courtesy first innings lead.

Bundela, one of the old warhorses domestic cricket played a typical Ranji Trophy innings, something of a throwback of 1990's as he defended everything that came his way facing as many as 90 balls and more than 80 of which he defended.

Brief Scores: Madhya Pradesh 437 and (target 181) 112/4 in 47 overs (Naman Ojha 59 no)

Tamil Nadu 248 and (f/0) 369 in 84.1 overs (Dinesh Karthik 129, B Indrajith 63). Match Drawn

Points: MP 3; Tamil Nadu 1.