Aparajith,Badrinath prop up TN after early strikes from Services

An unbeaten hundred by Baba Aparajith and a half century from veteran S Badrinath guided Tamil Nadu to a strong position as they made 220 for three on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy Group B match against Services. Aparajith was at the crease on 109 along with Dinesh Karthik (11) when stumps were drawn at the Palam ground after Tamil Nadu opted to bat first.

Badrinath scored 81 and shared a 168-run stand for the third wicket with 19-year-old Aparajith after hosts Services,last year’s semi-finalists,made early inroads into Tamil Nadu’s batting. Pacer Suraj Yadav removed opener Abhinav Mukund (0),getting him caught behind the wicket. Yadav,26,then castled India batsman Murali Vijay (14) to leave Tamil Nadu 16 for two. Vijay looked promising,hitting three fours in his brief stay before being dismissed.

Badrinath then joined hands with Aparajith to take his side to safety with a century partnership. Aparajith’s 236-ball knock contained 12 boundaries while Badrinath took 227 balls for his 81. Badrinath was dismissed in the final session of the day when he was bowled by Shadab Nazar with Tamil Nadu’s score 184.

Brief Scores: Tamil Nadu 220/3 (B Aparajith 109*,S Badrinath 81; Suraj Yadav 2/40) vs Services