It couldn’t be termed an out and out magnificent knock as several edges flew past slip cordon but Delhi skipper Gautam Gambhir was resolute, and later dominating, in his 153-run knock at the Roshanara Club ground here on Saturday to put Delhi on course to an outright win against Haryana on day three of their Group A Ranji Trophy match.
Even as Virender Sehwag’s (6 off 8 balls) wretched form continued as he got out playing a rash shot, Delhi, resuming at 35 for no loss, dominated the day — first with the bat and later with the ball — as they declared their second innings at 312 for 7 and then reduced Haryana to 63 for 5 before bad light brought an end to day’s play.
Chasing a difficult 376-run target, Haryana, started confidently with openers Nitin Saini and Abhimanyu Khod looking at ease against Delhi bowlers but former’s untimely departure after a mistimed pull shot triggered a collapse towards the end of the day’s play. Debutant left-arm spinner Varun Sood (3 wickets for 3 runs) wrecked havoc as Delhi reduced the visitors to 61 for 5 from 60 for 1 within a space of just 24 balls. Ishant Sharma and Parvinder Awana also got a wicket each.
Gambhir’s 215-ball 153-run knock should serve as a timely reminder to the national selectors with the squad for South Africa tour to be announced soon and a slot for reserve opener available.
The left-hander paced his innings intelligently through different phases of the day. He saw off the first half of the morning session with caution, consolidated in the later half and then dominated the post lunch session. While his first 50 came in 98 balls, his second 50 took 77 and the third was accumulated in just 34 balls. His exquisite cover drives were a treat to watch.
It was a big relief for Gambhir as well as his coach Sanjay Bhardwaj, who has been keenly watching the game since day one and gave a standing ovation to his ward after completing the century.
The Delhi skipper shared two good partnerships of 63 and 124 with Mithun Manhas (36 off 37 balls, retired hurt) and Rajat Bhatia (unbeaten 56 off 51 balls) respectively to post a difficult target.
The blame for Haryana’s misery must be put on their batsmen’s inability bat longer on a track that didn’t show any diabolic signs on Saturday. It was a sheer lack of application. With half of their side already back in the pavilion, it would need a miracle on Sunday to save the match for them. Delhi look set to get full points from the match.
Brief Scores
Delhi: 201 & 312/7 dec (Gautam Gambhir 153, Rajat Bhatia 56*, Ashish Hooda 2/38) lead Haryana: 138 & 63/5 (Varun Sood 3/3) by 313 runs.