Bengal failed to tighten the screws on Kerala in their crucial Ranji Trophy Elite Group B match at the St. Xavier's College Ground in Trivandrum, on Friday.

On the opening day of the game, though the Bengal bowlers put up a mostly disciplined bowling effort, Kerala recovered well from early setbacks to reach 265/4 at stumps.

The wickets for Bengal were shared by Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal (1/40), Akash Deep (1/55), Shahbaz Ahmed (1/59) and Ankit Mishra (1/53).

For the hosts, Sachin Baby was the standout performer on Day I, recording a fighting unbeaten 110. He was well supported at the other end by Akshay Chandran (76 batting).

Kerala were struggling at one stage of the match when they were reduced to 112/4. But instead of the Bengal bowlers piling on the pressure, Baby and Chandran joined hands for a defiant unbeaten 153-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Kerala had won the toss and elected to bat, but were pushed on the backfoot when Suraj dismissed Rohan S Kunnummal (19). They were in more trouble when Akash sent back Rohan Prem soon after.

The experienced Jalaj Saxena (40) and Baby steadied the ship with a 42-run stand, though star batter Sanju Samson was out for just 8.

Brief scores: Kerala 265/4 (Sachin Baby 110 batting, Akshay Chandran 76 batting) vs Bengal. At stumps, Day I.