Shorey ton rescues Delhi in Ranji final versus Vidarbha
INDORE: Delhi, playing their first Ranji Trophy final in a decade, stood in a precarious position against Vidarbha on Day 1. At 99/4, the seven-time champions stared at a low total at Indore’s Holkar Stadium, until Dhruv Shore y and Him mat Singh came to the rescue.
The duos trunga 105-runstand to help Delhi reach a respectable 271/6 at stumps against Vidarbha, playing their maiden Ranji Trophy final, on Friday.
While S ho rey stayed unbeaten on 123, Him mat was out for 66. For Vida rb ha, Raj ne es hG urban ia nd Ad it ya Th aka re took two wickets each. Shorey, who struck his third first-class century, said he concentrated on soaking the pressure after the top four batsmen fell cheaply.
“It was all about staying in there, taking your time. I gave respect to the bowlers early on andafter thatitwas my session,” Shorey said.
“I got out in 70-80s a lot. Thankfully, I got past the three-figure mark. I backed myself. The target for tomorrow will be to bat, bat and bat. It’s important to score as much as we can.”
Though Shorey and Himmat put the pressure back on Vidarbha in the final session, the latter took the honour sin the morning session after winning the toss and electing to field. Vidarbha gave Delhi an early jo lt in the very first over on a pitch that assisted seamers early on. Debutant Thakare got rid of opener Kunal Chandela for a duck.
Gautam Gambhir followed next. Offspinner Akshay Wakhare removed the veteran left-handed opener in the 13th over. ForWakh are, the dismissal was all the more special as it was his 200th first-class scalp.
Nitish Rana joined No. 3 Shorey next and hit a couple of boundaries off Thakare. He also struck a straight six off left-arm sp inner Ad it y aS arw ate to make his intentions clear. However, Thakare got his revenge in the 27th over when he trapped the left-handed Rana in front of the wicket. Rana departed for 21.
Rishabh Pant, who has failed to score big this season, started off well but fell to fast bowler Gurbani. The Delhi captain wanted to play a wide delivery past point but edged the ball to wicketkeeper A ks hay Wadk ar, leaving the Delhi reeling at 99/4. Brief scores: Delhi 271/6 in 88 overs (D Shorey batting 123, H Singh 66, R Gurbani 2/44, A Thakare 2/65)