Delhi consolidated their position over Hyderabad thanks to an unbeaten hundred by Shikhar Dhawan, in the three day Vijay Merchant Trophy (under-16) semifinal at the Calcutta Cricket and Football Ground on Wednesday. Delhi were 277/5 at the close of play in reply to Hyderabad's first innings score of 139 all out.

Resuming at 58 for no loss Delhi found themselves in a spot of bother, thanks to some tight bowling. Without a run for the first 38 balls, Delhi lost opening batsman PP Singh for 35. MP Arjun, who claimed Singh's wicket, went on to trap Aditya Jain LBW for 8. Delhi were 67/2 at that stage.

Opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan was joined in the middle by Himansu Mehta and they carried Delhi past the first innings score of Hyderabad with a partnership of 76 runs. Delhi were 143 when they lost Mehta for 36, Amol Shinde accounting for that dismissal. Mehta hit 5 boundaries and a six in his 101 ball innings. Shinde soon sent back the new batsman Abhishek Nag for just one run, trapped in front.

It was then Dhawan decided to bloom. He was in a punishing mood, smashing the ball for 18 boundaries to reach his well deserved hundred off 304 balls. Rawat was the fifth batsman to be dismissed for 17, Absolom being the bowler. At close of play Dhawan was going strong with an unbeaten 136 off 370 deliveries. He has already hit 25 boundaries in his marathon innings off 7 hours and 36 minutes. Giving him company is Sumit Kapoor on 10.

© CricInfo