The Hindu : Gambhir, Oberoi make merry

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Nov 08, 2003

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Sport - Cricket

Gambhir, Oberoi make merry

By Our Special Correspondent

KANPUR NOV. 7. Gautam Gambhir and Salil Oberoi enjoy batting together and they carried their association to a new height with a rousing show against Uttar Pradesh on the first day of the Elite Group `A' Ranji Trophy match here.

Having played for the same school obviously bounds them closer and the two produced an opening wicket partnership of 231 as Delhi finished the day on 267 for two with Gambhir slamming an entertaining 147 (203b, 17 x 4, 1 x 6) and Oberoi a stylish 80 (216b, 10 x 4) at the Green Park.

The newly-laid pitch, slow and low, demanded discipline from the batsmen and the scoring opportunities came in abundance when the U.P. bowlers proved erratic. Gambhir prospered from the wayward line and credit to him for grabbing the opportunity.

Gambhir's was a flawless effort. Strong off his legs, he demonstrated a wide range of shots and revelled in the company of Oberoi, who was straight and correct in his approach. It helped Delhi when these two decided to play their natural game with Gambhir dominating the scene with a flurry of confident strokes.

A pep talk by coach Rajinder Singh Hans saw Uttar Pradesh reorganise itself after tea. Oberoi presented the opportunity when he was run out, beaten by a direct hit. His disappointment was understandable as he had missed a century that he deserved.

The very next ball Gambhir fell in trying a square cut. His 12th first-class century was a statement on the young opener's consistency and ability to build on a good start.

The Uttar Pradesh bowlers now adopted defensive tactics, and rightly too. Uttar Pradesh achieved the goal, conceding just 36 runs off 21 overs in the final session.

Brief scores: Delhi 267 for two (S. Oberoi 80, G. Gambhir 147) vs Uttar Pradesh

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