On all counts the day belonged to a depleted North Zone, who are playing without the services of their India players, as opener Rahul Dewan, Sunny Singh and wicket-keeper batsman Nitin Saini batted with utmost caution like Dhawan after winning the toss here.
Openers Rahul (65) and Shikhar played to their potentials and scored at over three runs an over at the MA Chindambaram Stadium. The duo grew in confidence as the game wore on and put up their 100-run opening partnership without much ado.
But, soon after reaching the 150-mark in the 52nd over, Shikhar stepped out to drive Kamlesh but missed the ball to be stumped by experienced keeper Parthiv Patel. His individual 101 off 179 balls, contained 15 hits to the fence and his stand with Rahul yielded 164 runs of 57.5 overs.
After sometime, Rahul, who was looking tired due to heat and humid conditions, also made his exit offering a simple catch to Ajinkya Rahane of off-spinner Kamlesh Makwana. His 187-ball innings contained seven hits to the fence.
Sunny and Nitin Singh then combined well and rotated the strikes frequently to keep the West Zone bowlers at bay. Captain Cheteswar Pujara shuffled his bowlers and pinned his hopes on Kamlesh, who was bowling on the trot.
Left arm medium pacer Samad Fallah finally broke the partnership when Sunny gave a thin edge to Parthiv. He made 46 (97b, 9x4) and added 76 runs in 24 overs for the third wicket with Nitin (37; 74b, 5x4), who was at the crease at the draw of stumps.
Seven bowlers operated for West Zone and Kamlesh claimed 2 for 60 and Samad 1 for 39.
