Opener Unmukt Chand struck 82 while Mohit Sharma and Mithun Manhas also made half-centuries to help Delhi finish the first day's play against Vidarbha at 254 for four in the final Ranji Trophy group league encounter in Nagpur, on Saturday.
Opting to bat first on a placid track, Unmukt and skipper Shikhar Dhawan added 72 runs for the opening stand but medium pacer Sandeep Singh breached through Dhawan's defence. The visiting captain made 30.
Unmukt, who has often been guilty of throwing away his wicket was a lot discreet today while playing his strokes as he batted for more than four hours (252 minutes) facing 161 balls in the process. Unmukt's innings had 13 fours and a six.
The second wicket partnership between Unmukt and another youngster Mohit Sharma (53, 135 balls, 8x4) was the most productive one for the day as they added 101 runs for the second wicket.
At one stage, Delhi were sitting pretty at 173 for one before Unmukt was dismissed by medium pacer Shrikant Wagh with veteran Sairaj Bahutule taking the catch. Left-hander Mohit, who was also looking good for a big score, was then dismissed by off-spinner Akashay Wakhare.
From 173 for one, there was a mini-slump as Delhi were reduced to 186 for three before veteran Mithun Manhas and young Vaibhav Rawal again put together a 63-run stand. Manhas hit his 43rd first-class half century which was laced with six fours and a six. He also completed 700 runs in the current season. He became Wagh's second victim when he was caught by Hemang Badani.
Delhi have Rawal (16 not out) at the crease in company of nightwatchman Vikas Tokas. With likes of Rajat Bhatia, Sumit Narwal and Punit Bisht still to come, Delhi will be looking to post a first innings total in excess of 450.
Brief Scores:
Delhi 1st innings: 254/4 (Unmukt Chand 82, Mohit Sharma 53, Mithun Manhas 54, Shrikant Wagh 2/42) vs Vidarbha.
