Shorey hits century as Delhi set Himachal 376-run target

RANJI TROPHY SCORES: R2; DAY 3

NEW DELHI: Dhruv Shorey scored his third first-class century as Delhi set Himachal Pradesh a target of 376 on the third day of their Elite Group B game at the Ferozeshah Kotla on Wednesday. After Delhi declared the second innings at 281/4, pacer Ishant Sharma removed Prashant Chopra early as Himachal ended the day’s play at 44 for one, still 331 runs adrift.

The Delhi No. 3, who was also the top-scorer in the first innings with 88, hit a huge six over long on to get to his century just before tea. His knock included 10 fours and two sixes, one of which was carved over long-off against legspinner Prashant Chopra.

The 26-year-old right-hander looked composed, working the toothless Himachal bowling around with ease. He had walked into bat after the dismissal of Hiten Dalal, who had put on 64 with Gautam Gambhir in just over 10 overs as Delhi looked to score fast.

Shorey got valuable support from current skipper Nitish Rana (32), Himmat Singh (26) and wicketkeeper-batsman Anuj Rawat (21*) as Delhi declared at tea. The decision to declare by Delhi coach Mithun Manhas was taken primarily to give his bowlers over 100 overs to have a crack at the Himachal batting that had frustrated them in the first innings with the last four wickets playing out 42 overs. It was always going to be tough going for Himachal and they got an early jolt when Australia-bound Ishant produced a beauty that sneaked past the defensive prod from Chopra. At Tirunelveli: Hyderabad 565/8 dec in 186 ovs (A Reddy 250, Saaketh 42) v Tamil Nadu 163/2 in 79 ovs (A Mukund 101*)