Ranji Trophy: Sachin, Azharuddeen rescue Kerala on opening day

Sachin Baby scored his 16th First Class century alongside an unbeaten 72 from Mohammed Azharuddeen to guide Kerala to 245 for six on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy encounter against Odisha at Thiruvananthapuram. After Odisha won the toss and elected to field, medium-pacers Lalit Yadav and Rajesh Mohanty exploited bowler-friendly conditions early on to leave Kerala struggling at 18 for three.

Sachin rebuilt the innings with a 112-run knock off 235 deliveries, stitching together a vital 141-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Azharuddeen. Although Soumya Lenka took Sachin's wicket late in the day with the second new ball, Azharuddeen and Aditya Sarvate remained at the crease at stumps.