Thumba: Dashing wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant (109 batting) smashed his way to an 82-ball-century as Delhi reached 225 for 3 in reply to Jharkhand's first innings total of 493 largely based on a superlative 273 from Ishan Kishan.


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The match could be billed as battle between two 'Gen-Next' stars who were captain and vice-captain during the last edition of ICC U-19 World Cup.


Ishan, who was the India U-19 captain started off from his overnight score of 162 not out adding 88 runs with Shahbaz Nadeem (39) for the seventh wicket and 85 runs with Vikash Singh for the ninth wicket in which the latter's contribution was only 2 runs.


Ishan's innings had 21 boundaries and 14 big sixes as Jharkhand innings ended in the 120th over.


For Delhi, it was Pant again, who became the standout performer as he joined his skipper Unmukt Chand (89 batting) with the team in a spot of bother at 74 for 3.


The moment stockily built Pant came at the crease with his skipper getting some form back, he took complete charge, so much so that the 50 came off only 29 balls. In all he hit seven boundaries and eight sixes especially hitting off-spinner Sunny Gupta (0/42 in 8 overs) for sixes.


He also smashed the new ball bowlers Vikash Singh (1/60) and Ashish Singh (1/56) with disdain. He plonked his frontfoot and started hitting horizontal bat shots.


With Pant, Unmukt added 151 runs for the unbroken fourth wicket stand.


Pant's sizzler ensured that Unmukt, who has not had a great season till date got a chance to play himself in. He faced 151 balls hitting 11 boundaries in the process.


Jharkhand are missing their regular skipper Varun Aaron, who has not played after the first two games.


Brief Scores: Jharkhand 1st Innings 493 (Ishan Kishan 273, Ishank Jaggi 55, Subodh Bhati 3/80)


Delhi 1st Innings 225/3 (Rishabh Pant 109 batting, Unmukt Chand 89 batting).