Duleep Trophy: Rohan Kunnummal, Hanuma Vihari tons put South in command vs North Zone

Opting to bat, South got off to a solid start with Kunnummal and Agarwal (49, 59 balls, 6X4, 1X6) matching each other stroke for stroke. The 24-year-old Kunnummal from Kerala was the first to reach the half-century as they two added 100. Agarwal, who looked in good touch, was bowled by spinner Nishant Sindhu.

Kunnummal appeared to be at ease in the middle, playing some good-looking drives and Vihari, who joined the Kerala right-hander in the middle, played himself in and allowed the young opener to play his shots. Kunnummal cashed in whenever the spinners erred in line and length. The duo was involved in a 167-run partnership that deflated the North Zone bowlers.

Vihari brought up his 50 from 108 balls. Kunnummal hit some lovely shots and reached his ton off 172 deliveries with a huge six down the ground. He was lucky to survive a chance when he was dropped off Nishant Sindhu's bowling on 77.

He continued to get runs while the captain too appeared to pick up the pace of scoring. The huge stand between Kunnummal and Vihari was broken by pacer Navdeep Saini when he had the former bowled for 143. His 225-ball innings was studded with 16 fours and 2 sixes.

The ton continued Kunnummal's superb run including last season's Ranji Trophy which included three centuries. Vihari, on his part, did what comes best to him, bide his time and wait for the bad balls to score off. At stumps, he was on 107, while Tamil Nadu batter B Indrajith was giving him company on 20.