Young opener Unmukt Chand led the way with a patient century as North Zone posted a formidable 329 for two in their Duleep Trophy semifinal against East Zone here today.
While the 20-year-old Chand made 116 off 230 balls, Ian Dev Singh was unfortunate to have missed his century by five runs due to a hamstring injury.
After only 17 overs were bowled on the opening day yesterday due to rain, North Zone batsmen batted with purpose today to reach a strong position after batting 112 overs at the Nehru Stadium.
At stumps, Mandeep Singh and Rajat Paliwal were batting on 40 and 41, respectively.
Chand struck 17 fours and a six during his stay at the crease while Ian Dev, in his 180-ball knock, hit 11 fours and two sixes.
Resuming at 33 for no loss, North lost their first wicket when Ashok Dinda dismissed Jiwanjot Singh for 24 with the team score reading 50.
Then followed a big 198-run stand for the second wicket between Unmukt and 24-year-old Ian Dev, leaving the East Zone bowlers looking for answers.
The bowlers couldn't effect a breakthrough till Shahbaz Nadeem brought an end to Chand's tenure with his team well placed at 248 for two.
Meanwhile Ian Dev retired hurt just five short of a century.
Mandeep and Paliwal then added 81 runs for the third wicket as North finished the day without losing any more wicket.
Mandeep found the fence six times while Paliwal hit three boundary and a six.
Only Dinda and Nadeem could get their names on the wicket column.
