North in command with 331 first innings lead

Kolkata, Nov 14 (UNI) North Zone already seems to have one hand on Duleep Trophy with a 331-run first innings lead over Sri Lanka-A reaching 627 for seven at the end of the third day here today.

Akash Chopra's brilliant and marathon 400-ball innings came to an end with the batsman caught lbw for 188 that was studded with 26 boundaries.

Rangana Herath changed the angle of his delivery to fox Akash who offered pads to one that was in line with the leg stump and straightened.

'' This is perhaps one of the best innings I played in a long time. I should have played to complete my double, '' Akash said, livid at missing out on the double ton.

Mithun Manhas will curse himself for getting out on 29.

But the youngsters Yashpal Singh(77), Joginder Sharma(72) and Mahesh Rawat not out 96 made sure the advantage did not slip away.

On a languid wicket Herath took three wickets at long intervals and T Samaraweera three.

North Zone captain Manhas said, 'Now with two days left we will go for an outright win.'' BRIEF SCORES: Akash Chopra 188, Mahesh rawat 96 not out Yashpal Singh 77 Rangana Herath three for 201.

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