Salman Nizar scored his maiden first-class century to rescue Kerala from the verge of a collapse against Bihar to a healthy 302/9 at stumps on day one of their Ranji Trophy match in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday.

The left-hander from Thalassery got Kerala to 300 with a boundary, and remained unbeaten on 111 at close of play. Salman held two noteworthy partnerships to lift Kerala from a precarious 81/4 after winning the toss.

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Kerala's Shoun Roger scored a fifty against Bihar. Photo: KCA

He held a 89-run stand for the fifth wicket with Shoun Roger (59). Roger played a matured innings for a 22-year-old as Kerala recovered post-lunch from 94/4.

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Just as when Kerala seemed to be slipping up a second time in the innings following the dismissals of Mohammed Azharuddeen (9), Aditya Sarwate (6), and Jalaj Saxena (5), Nidheesh M D stepped up. His 79-run stand with Salman took Kerala closer to 300 before Harsh Vikram Singh broke the partnership.

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Salman Nizar and Nideesh M D held a 79-run partnership for the ninth wicket. Photo: KCA

Earlier, Bihar struck early to remove Rohan Kunnummal (3) in the second over. Kerala were down to 42/3 after Sachin (4) followed Anand Krishnan (11) back in the dugout.

Opener Akshay Chandran's (38) resistance was ended by Yashpal Yadav, bringing the middle-order into the act, with the task of rescuing the home side.

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Kerala must avoid defeat to keep their quarterfinal chances alive. A win against Bihar would ensure smooth progress to the knockouts. Kerala are without Sanju Samson, who is part of India's T20I home series against England.

Meanwhile, Karnataka, who are vying for a spot in the knockouts at the expense of Kerala, have made a steady start against league leaders Haryana at Bengaluru. Karnataka were 267/5 in 89 overs at stumps on day one.. Skipper Mayank Agarwal made 91, and Devdutt Padikkal added 43, while star batter K L Rahul (26) failed to make the most of his domestic opportunity.

Brief scores: Kerala 302/9 in 84 overs (Salman Nizar 111 not out, Shoun Roger 59, Akshay Chandran 38, Nidheesh MD 30, Harsh Vikram Singh 2/40, Sachin Kumar Singh 2/80)

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