Unmukt scores 82 as Delhi reach 254/4 vs Vidarbha on Day I

Nagpur: Opener Unmukt Chand struck 82 while Mohit Sharma and Mithun Manhas made half centuries as Delhi finished the first day`s play against Vidarbha at 254 for four in the final Ranji Trophy group league encounter at the old VDCA ground.

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 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. As Delhi were found cruising along at 173 for one, Unmukt was dismissed by medium pacer Shrikant Wagh as veteran Sairaj Bahutule took a catch. Left-hander Mohit, who was also looking good for a big score got one from offie Akashay Wakhare that straightened after pitching. 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 caught by Hemang Badani. Delhi have Rawal (16 batting) at crease in company of nightwatchman Vikas Tokas. With likes of Rajat Bhatia, Sumit Narwal, Punit Bisht still to come, Delhi can think of a first innings total in excess of 450. Brief Scores: Delhi 254/4 (Unmukt Chand 82, Mohit Sharma 53, Mithun Manhas 54, Shrikant Wagh 2/42) vs Vidarbha. PTI