Published: Dec 21, 2017, 02:01 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 21, 2017, 02:13 PM (IST)
Opener Anuj Rawat and pacer Simarjeet Singh paved Delhi‘s way to a smooth victory in the final of CK Nayudu Trophy 2017-18 against Mumbai. Winning the toss at the BKC Ground in Mumbai, Delhi put the locals to bat. Mumbai managed 230 in the first innings but could not restrict Delhi from taking a 30-run first-innings lead. Mumbai further added 267 on the board, setting Delhi for a 238 which they chased down with 5 wickets remaining.
Though Jay Bista and HJ Tamore provided Mumbai with a strong start, the rest of the batting line-up collapsed, resulting in a paltry total of 230 in their first innings. Bista (66) and Tamore (53) were the only half-centurions in the innings and no other batsman even crossed the 30-run mark. Simarjeet ran through Mumbai batting, bagging 6 for 73.
However, Delhi’s batting, too, proceeded in the similar fashion. Openers Rawat (83) and Hiten Dalal (67) formed a 127-run partnership. Once that was broken, the middle order failed to build another significant partnership as Sairaj Patil and Minad Manjrekar ran through their line-up. Shivank Vashisth played a crucial knock of 44 not out that helped Delhi take the lead.
Bista failed in Mumbai’s next innings but Tamore held fort with AA Sardesai, reviving Mumbai from 29 for 2 to 83 for 3. Siddharth Akre stitched some brief yet crucial partnerships in the middle-order while scoring a half-century. He helped Mumbai post a competitive target for Delhi.
Picking up 2 wickets in the innings, Simarjeet finished with 8 wickets. Gourav Kumar took 4 for 87.
Despite losing Dalal early, Delhi were off to a steady start. Rawat played yet another magnificent knock of 75 runs, while Jonty Sidhu (40), Dinesh Mor (46*) continued the momentum to take Delhi to the title.
Simarjeet, who struck early in Delhi’s tournament opener, was called for suspect bowling action and had to miss three group stage matches. Though he could not pull off any heroics right after coming back, his brilliant spell came at the time of need and handed Delhi the most desired victory in the tournament.
“I had to sit out for three matches because of my action. I really couldn’t do anything but I’m happy to contribute in final. Coaches and selectors kept telling me that there is nothing wrong with my action and I should continue. I went to Chennai for two days after the first game, cleared my action and rejoined the team,” Simarjeet told Indian express.
Brief scores:
Mumbai 230 and 267 lost to Delhi 260 and 239 (Anuj Rawat 75, Jonty Sidhu 40, Dinesh Mor 46; Sairaj Patil 2 for 57) by 5 wickets
