Vijaywada: The seasoned Gautam Gambhir
struck a fine 95 and powered Delhi to the semi-finals of the
Ranji Trophy following a seven-wicket victory over Madhya
Pradesh here today.
Delhi will take on Bengal in their semi-final.
Chasing 217 for an outright win, Delhi relied on
Gambhir's 129-ball 95, which was laced with nine boundaries
and a six.
Even as the bowlers failed to dismiss him, Gambhir was
unfortunately run out by Mihir Hirwani as he approached what
would have been a well-deserved century.
The out-of-favour India opener was well-supported by
Kunal Chandela (57) and Dhruv Shorey, who remained unbeaten on
46, when the winning runs were scored at the Dr. Gokaraju
Liala Gangaaraju ACA Cricket Ground.
Delhi were eight for no loss at stumps on the fourth and
penultimate evening with Kunal Chandela and Vikas Tokas in the
middle.
Delhi were dealt an early blow when Tokas was sent back
by medium pacer Ishwar Pandey with just 11 runs on the
scoreboard.
A 98-run partnership for the second wicket between
Gambhir and Chandela ensured Delhi remained on course for a
win. The two went along nicely till Hirwani, who had a five-
wicket haul in the first innings, removed Chandela when the
scoreboard read 111.
A 95-run stand ensued, for the third wicket between
Gambhir and Shorey, as Delhi completed the job with plenty
left in their arsenal.
Brief scores:
MP: 338 all out and 283 all out in 105.5 overs (Harpreet
78; Mishra 4/59).
Delhi: 405 all out and 217 for three in 51.4 overs
(Gautam Gambhir 95, Kunal Chandela 57, Dhruv Shorey 46).
