Delhi failed to benefit from the overcast conditions against a stubborn Kerala in an 'Elite' Group 'A' Ranji Trophy cricket match in Delhi on Wednesday.

The wet ground conditions, which forced a delayed start, did not trouble the visitors, who batted slowly but steadily to reach 85 for two in 56 overs at stumps on the opening day of the four-day match at the Harbaksh stadium.

Delhi, desperate for full points to revive their hopes for a semi-final berth, were frustrated by Kerala openers Deepak CM and Sujit Somasunder, who both stood firm against Amit Bhandari and Sanjay Gill in the initial stages of the match.

The hosts had to wait for 20 overs to effect the first breakthrough and four overs later the other opener also returned back to the pavilion.

Deepak made 21 off 63 balls before being trapped leg before by Bhandari and Somasunder was caught by Gautam Gambhir off Sarandeep Singh for a 72-ball 18.

At stumps, Vipinlal was batting on 13 while Hemant Kumar was on 26.

Scoreboard

Kerala (1st innings):
CM Deepak lbw Bhandari 21
S Somsunder c Gambhir b Sarandeep 63
Vipinlal batting 13
Hemant Kumar batting 26

Extras: (b-1, lb-4, nb-2) 7

Total: (for 2 wkts, 56 overs) 85

Bowling: Bhandari 13-3-22-1, Gill 18-10-19-0, Sarandeep 15-6-12-1, Rajat Bhatia 3-0-9-0, Sanghvi 7-2-18-0.