Dhawan's unbeaten ton puts Delhi in command

Opener Shikhar Dhawan hit a composed unbeaten 122 to put Delhi in a strong position against Baroda on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy Super League Group B match in Vadodara on Tuesday.

At stumps, Delhi were 300 for the loss of two wickets.

Everything went Delhi's way as their top-order flourished on an easy Moti Bagh stadium strip.

After the cheap dismissal of skipper Aakash Chopra (21), left-handed Dhawan and Guarav Chabra (65) batted beautifully, rattling up a 134-run partnership to negate the early loss after opting to bat.

Murtuza Vohra broke the partnership when he trapped Chabra, but there was no respite for Baroda's bowlers as Rajat Bhatia continued the good work with Dhawan as the duo racked up an unbeaten 136-run stand for the third wicket.

At stumps, Dhawan was batting on 122, with Bhatia on a solid 70 at the other end.

Dhawan's 247-ball knock included 12 boundaries while Bhatia hit seven shots to the fence in his 141-ball innings.

Chabra also played well for his 65, which came off 139 balls; had nine boundaries in it.

Earlier, Salim Veragi gave his side a good start, bowling Chopra with the last ball of the fifth over. Chopra was in an aggressive mood as he took just 18 balls for his 21 and smashed three boundaries.

Brief scores: Delhi 300-2 (S Dhawan 122 not out, G Chabra 65, R Bhatia 70 not out) v Baroda.