Virender Sehwag made a timely return to form with a typically stroke-filled century, but Delhi failed to build on his knock on the first day of the Ranji Trophy Super League match against Haryana, in Rohtak, on Wednesday.
Sehwag, whose place in the Indian team has come under threat due to a prolonged slump in form, smashed a 134-ball 106 as Delhi closed the opening day on 330 for 7, at the Bansi Lal stadium.
The right-handed batsman, leading the side and coming in at No 4, cracked 15 boundaries during his 160-minute stay at the crease.
Test discard Aakash Chopra scored 84 at the top of the order and shared a crucial 112-run partnership with his skipper for the third wicket.
The duo's association helped the visitors recover from early hiccups when they lost two wickets for 69 after electing to bat.
Delhi, however, allowed the initiative to slip by losing three wickets for 20 runs in the afternoon session.
All-rounder Rajat Bhatia, who has struck a purple patch this season, remained the lone recognised batsman on 55 when stumps were drawn.
Chetanya Nanda was the other unbeaten batsman with 29 to his name.
Leg-spinner Amit Mishra picked 3-67, including the wicket of Sehwag with a return catch.
Both teams are looking for the first innings lead from the last league encounter that will ensure they remain in Elite Division next year.
Scorecard
Delhi (1st innings):
A Chopra c and b Mishra 84
G Gambhir b Budhwar 16
M Tehlan c Rana b Joginder Sharma 3
V Sehwag c and b Mishra 106
M Manhas run out 1
R Bhatia not out 55
P Bisht lbw b Mishra 6
A Malhotra c Bamel b Saini 0
C Nanda not out 29
Extras: (b 12, lb 6, nb 12) 30
Total: (for 7 wickets, 90 overs) 330
Fall of wickets: 1-58, 2-69, 3-181, 4-211, 5-244, 6-264, 7-265.
Bowling: Joginder Sharma 20-2-68-1, T Mann 15-2-67-0, S Budhwar 16-1-68-1, A Mishra 27-5-67-3, S Rana 4-0-19-0, N Saini 8-2-23-1.
