Skipper Devendra Bundela's unbeaten hundred rescued Madhya Pradesh's floundering innings as they reached 265 for five against Hyderabad on the third day of their Group A Ranji Trophy match in Hyderabad on Sunday.
Bundela's 321-ball 106 was the cornerstone of Madhya Pradesh's reply as they began the day on a depressing 44 for three in reply to the home team's 341.
Udit Birla's 113-ball 52 and Jalaj Saxena's unbeaten 61 down the order were the other notable contributions in the Madhya Pradesh's innings thus far.
Bundela and Birla put on 108 runs for the fourth wicket to stabilise the MP innings before the latter was caught and bowled by Pagadala Naidu.
Bundela has so far struck 11 fours and a couple of sixes.
Saxena, on the other hand, has managed seven hits to the fence in his 113-ball stay at the crease so far.
For the home team, Mohammed Khader and Pagadala Naidu picked up a couple of wickets apiece.
Khader conceded just 51 runs in his 23 overs which included five maidens, while Naidu gave away just 61 in his 25 overs, six of which were maidens.
Brief Scores:
Hyderabad 1st Innings: 341 all out
Madhya Pradesh 1st Innings: 265/5 (D Bundela 106 batting, Jalaj S Saxena 61 batting; M Khader 2/51, P Naidu 2/60).
