Published: Dec 02, 2016, 05:37 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 02, 2016, 05:37 PM (IST)
The Round 8 of Ranji Trophy 2016-17 wrapped up with Delhi gaining three points versus Vidarbha owing to their first innings lead. Gautam Gambhir was back at helms for this encounter and must be a happy man with his side showing much intent than the opponents. Rain played spoilsport on the last day with ended the game in a tame fashion. Delhi’s Manan Sharma was the Man of the Match for his all-round show which kept Vidarbha at bay. READ: Kerala register comprehensive victory against Tripura
Inviting Vidarbha to bat, Gambhir’s troops restricted the opponents for 183 in the first innings. Shalabh Srivastava was the top-scorer for his side with a valiant 62 along with Shrikant Wagh’s 42 not out from the lower-order. In the bowling department, Sumit Narwal and Navdeep Saini picked up four and three scalps respectively while Pradeep Sangwan also chipped in with two wickets.
In reply, Delhi could not manage a big first innings lead after an impressive outing with the red leather. However, their 250 meant they were assured of three points if the match failed to produce any winner. The big guns from Delhi’s batting line-up failed to inspire with a modest total on board. Shikhar Dhawan and Gambhir departed for 6 and 22 respectively. Unmukt Chand could not even trouble the scoreboards while in-form left-hander Rishabh Pant made 29.
Nonetheless, it was Manan’s 82 in the lower order which ensured Delhi get past Vidarbha’s 183 and end up taking a vital lead. His innings composed of 9 boundaries and 1 maximum. This changed the complexion of the game as Delhi were reeling at 178 for 8 at one stage.
Having a lead of 67 runs, Delhi continued to trouble Vidarbha’s batsmen in the second outing with the bat. Before rain forced an early result in the match, Vidarbha were 37 for 3. Narwal, Saini and Vikas Tokas shared a wicket apiece as they exposed Vidarbha’s lackluster top-order. Faiz Fazal was the only batsman to cross double figures before the match summed up early.
Brief scores:
Vidarbha 183 & 37 for 3 (Faiz Fazal 14, Shalabh Srivastava 7*; Sumit Narwal 1 for 7, Vikas Tokas 1 for 7) drew with Delhi 250 (Milind Kumar 37, Manan Sharma 82; Rajneesh Gurbani 4 for 76, Lalit Yadav 3 for 79)
