Mumbai is experiencing a rare bout of cold winds, one that has allowed the city to chill a bit this year. Therefore, East Zone, going by Mumbai’s past weather record, appeared to have failed in gauging the conditions that were available. On a wicket where they should have easily bowled first, especially considering their attack — bowlers like Debashis Mohanty, Ranadeb Bose and Shib Shankar Paul — they decided to bat.As a result, East were three down for 54 and struggling to find their feet before a dash of experience saw them settle once again. Shib Sundar Das hogged the limelight on the opening day of the Duleep Trophy tie versus South Zone at the Wankhede Stadium. In a match where individual performances would definitely count — considering the importance of the tournament — Das’ knock of 82 was paramount. The 30-year-old defied South Zone pacers Vinay Kumar, N Aiyappa and off-spinner R Ashwin to take his side to safer shores.There are batsmen like S Badrinath in this match who have — despite impressive performances in recent years — failed to make it to the next level. Das’ innings, therefore, was as good as it got for the team.South’s medium-pacers had a good time utilising the bounce and swing available on the Wankhede wicket. The early incision should have helped them further, if not for Das and young batsman Haldar Das (an unbeaten 78), who helped East reach 265-7 at stumps. After Das’ dismissal, East enjoyed another healthy partnership between Haldar and Tushar Saha (29) of 71 runs for the seventh wicket. 21-year-old Haldar’s aggressive strokeplay saw him slice 13 boundaries. “Anything more then 300 will be a good total,” East Zone skipper Das concluded.Brief scores: East Zone 265 for 7 in 79 overs (SS Das 82, Haldar Das 78 not out; Vinay Kumar 2/64, N Aiyappa 2/60, R Ashwin 2/48) vs South Zone
