Paliwal, Yashpal close in on hundreds as Services dominate

Rajat Paliwal (92) and Yashpal Singh (81) raised an unbeaten 150-run stand for the fourth wicket to set Services up for a big first innings total against Madhya Pradesh in their Group B Ranji Trophy match, here today.
Services reached 256 for three when stumps were drawn and have already taken a 17-run lead. Off-spinner Jalaj Saxena took all three Services wickets.
Madhya Pradesh added three runs to their overnight total before being bundled out for 239. Suraj Yadav could not get a five-wicket haul as Irfan Khan had last-man Amarjeet Singh caught off his own bowling in the second over of the day.

When the hosts batted, Services opener Pratik Desai (58) held one end after the other opener and skipper Soumik Chatterjee (8) and Nakuk Verma (4) fell cheaply.
Desai was involved in a 52-run stand with Pailwal for the third wicket as it stabilised their innings. Saxena broke the stand by having Desai caught by Mishra.
Paliwal and Yashpal though stopped Saxena in his strides and closed in on their centuries.

Paliwal's 92 came off 165 balls with eight shots to the fence.
Yashpal's 81 featured seven fours and one six as he faced 178 balls in his knock.
Brief Scores:

Madhya Pradesh 1st innings: 239 all out in 91.5 overs.(Naman Ojha 63, Rameez Khan 38; S Yadav 4/63).
Services 1st innings: 256 for 3 in 86 overs.(R Paliwal 92 batting, Y Singh 81 batting; J Saxena 3/63).