Bhopal, Dec 30: Madhya Pradesh registered a crucial 47-run victory over Kerala in a low-scoring Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group A match at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Monday, strengthening their position near the top of the points table with a third consecutive win.
After Kerala opted to bowl first, Madhya Pradesh were bowled out for 214, riding on a resolute knock from wicketkeeper-batter Himanshu Mantri, who top-scored with a fighting 93. Mantri once again fell agonisingly short of a maiden List A century, following his 90 against Tamil Nadu in the previous match. Despite the lack of a hundred, his innings provided much-needed stability as MP’s batters showed resilience against disciplined Kerala bowling.
Chasing a modest target, Kerala struggled to build momentum and were dismissed for 167. The MP bowlers delivered a collective effort, striking at regular intervals to prevent any substantial partnerships. Though Kerala showed brief resistance in the middle order, the pressure of the chase proved decisive as wickets continued to fall.
The win keeps Madhya Pradesh firmly in contention at the top of Group A, while Kerala will be left to rue missed opportunities after failing to capitalise on a manageable chase.
