MP middle-order makes it count

Madhya Pradesh middle-order made it count against Railways with the Devendra Bundela-led side building up a vital second-innings lead on Day 3 of the Group A Ranji Trophy cricket match, here today.
After bundling out Railways for 280 early in the first session, the MP bastmen rallied on to finish Monday on 212 for five and stretch their lead to 113.
Starting on their overnight score 253 for seven, the Mahesh Rawat-led Railways could not stand the bowling test as medium-pacer Puneet Datey wiped off the tail in quick time to bag a five-wicket haul.
Overcoming the 99-run trail, MP then rode on Mohnish Mishra's well-made 71 to manage a vital lead. Bundela (41) and Harpreet Singh (69) were also vital contributors as the match is interestingly poised for the final day.

Brief Scores:
Madhya Pradesh 181 and 212/5 in 80 overs (Mohnish Mishra 71, Harpreet Singh 69; Krishnakant Upadhyay 2-40)
Railways 280 all out in 104.3 overs (Arindam Ghosh 120, Avinash Yadav 50; Puneet Datey 5-86).