Maharashtra opener Dheeraj Jadhav hit an unbeaten 117 to help his team post a solid 255 for one on the first day of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group B match against Rajasthan at Shivaji Stadium in Ratnagiri on Saturday.

After winning the toss, Maharashtra captain Sairaj Bahutule chose to bat and openers Harshad Khadiwale and Jadhav began on a confident note tackling the Rajasthan medium pacers with ease.

However, when things were looking under control, Pankaj Singh claimed Khadiwale (23), the only wicket of day.

Kanitkar, who came after the fall of Khadiwale, had done well in the previous match against Hyderabad continued his good form.

Kanitkar (94) put on an useful partnership with Jadhav and when the stumps were drawn, Maharashtra were comfortably placed at 255 for one.

Jadhav played a patient knock and had only eight hits to the fence. Kanitkar, who looked set for another century, was more attacking and struck 12 boundaries.

Brief score: Maharashtra 255 for one (Dheeraj Jadhav 117 not out, Hrishikesh Kanitkar 94 not out; Pankaj Singh 1 for 44) vs Rajasthan.