India, Sept. 1 -- Captain Tilak Varma stood tall with a patient unbeaten 106 while Shreyas Gopal made 87 to give South Zone a vital first-innings lead of 90 runs in their Duleep Trophy semifinal against North Zone here on Monday. Hitting his first boundary as late as on the 154th delivery that he faced, Tilak reached 106 not out off 225 balls with seven fours, as South Zone finished the day's play at 285 for nine.

North Zone were bowled out for 195 on the first day.

Resuming at 40 for two, South Zone had a poor start as Gurnoor Brar (4/70) struck thrice in the first session to leave them struggling at 80 for five at one stage.

N Jagadeesan (36), resuming on 34, was cleaned up by Brar with one that went away from the batter and took his...