Delhi take initiative on first day

A 109-run opening stand between D Mohan (63) and G Gambhir (64) helped Delhi to take command of the proceedings on the first day of the North Zone Cooch Behar (Under-19) Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir at the Molana Azad Stadium in Jammu on Sunday. Earlier, J&K were bowled out for 124 in their first innings.

Opting to bat first, the J&K innings lasted just 47.2 overs. Only three batsmen, M Ashraf (17), A Mongotra (31) and P Mahajan (27 not out) could get past the double figure mark. The batsmen had no clue about tackling the off spinner Y Sachdeva (3 for 26) and leg spinner Tarun Gupta (4 for 35).

In reply, Delhi openers put on a partnership that lasted 25.5 overs. Gambhir was the first to be dismissed, when he was bowled by Mongotra. During a 108-minute stay, Gambhir faced 65 balls while finding the boundary ropes 9 times and succeeding to clear it once. Then R Uniyal (29 not out) joined Mohan and they put on 52 runs for the second wicket in 14 overs. Mohan was the next to be out, caught by Mongotra off Sathyajit Singh. He batted 164 minutes, faced 131 balls and hit eight fours. Stumps were drawn at the fall of Mohan's wicket with Delhi at 161 for 2.