India, Sept. 7 -- East Zone will head into Day 2 firmly in control after Ishan Kishan and Kumar Kushagra extended their commanding partnership to 144 runs. What was an evenly poised contest at 241 for four midway through the second session quickly swung East Zone's way, with the pair putting South Zone's bowlers under sustained pressure and setting up the possibility of a huge first-innings total.

Earlier, Abhimanyu Easwaran and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had laid the foundation with a 100-run opening stand, but Chama Milind's two crucial wickets were unable to change the course of the innings. By stumps, South Zone's attack and fielders appeared short of answers, leaving them with plenty to fix overnight. East Zone will now look to pile on mo...