Anirudh B, one of Meghalaya’s guest professionals, struck an unbeaten 140 as Meghalaya posted an impressive 274/8 on the first day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match against Maharashtra in Aurangabad today.
Put into bat first after the hosts won the toss, Meghalaya started positively with 33 from local lad Bamanbha Shangpliang and 34 from guest professional Ajay Duhan.
But it was Anirudh’s 140 not out that stole the show as he hit 18 fours and two sixes as Meghalaya defied their mighty opponents for the whole first day. Anirudh and Ajay put on 110 for the third wicket, Meghalaya’s most successful partnership.
There was a further helpful contribution of 22 by captain Kishan Lyngdoh and Meghalaya were looking good for 300 before a few wickets towards the end of the day curtailed those hopes, though Meghalaya will still aim for that when play resumes tomorrow.