Mandi: A sparking knock of 126 by opener Ashu Dani and an unbeaten 72 by skipper Ajay Sharma helped Delhi to pile up 313 for three in their first innings on the opening day of the four day Ranji tie against Himachal at shaheed Krishan Chand memorial stadium here on Sunday.

Winning the toss, Delhi elected to bat but lost the first wicket for 18 as Devender Sharma (11) was bowled by Praveen Sharma. Vijay Dahiya who came next to join Ashu Dani added 128 runs for the second wicket. Vijay Dahiya was out for 63 hitting 9 boundaries in his 132 minute knock facing 98 balls.

Ashu Dani who was joined by Ajay Sharma added 92 runs for the third wicket before he was bowled for 126. Sharma was at crease with 72 while Virender Sehwag was unbeaten with 30 at draw of stumps. Ashu Dani hit 18 fours, batting 313 minutes and facing 228 balls Sharma hit two sixes and three hits to the fence. He batted 211 minutes and faced 153 balls. Parveen Kumar was most successful bowler claiming two wickets for 47 runs.