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Monday, Nov 27, 2006
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Dahiya slams ton; two points for Delhi

Special Correspondent

WELL DONE: Rajat Bhatia congratulates Vijay Dahiya. — Photo: S. Subramanium.

NEW DELHI: Vijay Dahiya's dominance played a key role in Delhi earning two points, and the respect of Tamil Nadu, from the drawn Ranji Trophy Elite Group match at the Ferozeshah Kotla ground on Sunday.

The 33-year-old wicketkeeper and former Delhi captain made a memorable comeback by racing away from his overnight 51 to a career-best 152 before his dismissal saw skipper Mithun Manhas declare the innings at 491 for seven.

Thereafter, Tamil Nadu reached 66 for two in 25 overs when the rival skippers agreed to call it off before the commencement of the 15 mandatory overs.

The 144-run first innings lead not only brought in vital points for Delhi but also did a world of good to its pride. After going down to Tamil Nadu in the semifinals three seasons ago, Delhi has struggled to salvage its reputation.

Positive start

Having survived relegation to the Plate division last season, this fruitful start, mainly as a result of three centuries, has given the Delhi players just the kind of boost they need before facing defending champion Uttar Pradesh here from December 1.

Personally for Dahiya, the outing was highly satisfying. "I am glad the runs came against a side like Tamil Nadu against whom we did not do well in the last two meetings," said the former opener who smashed 27 boundaries while making the most of the second new ball.

Interestingly, Dahiya's second century in Ranji Trophy came seven seasons after his maiden one against Services. In fact, Dahiya made 90 against host Bengal in his previous appearance in 2004-05 and was unavailable for selection until the start of this season.

On a day when the only point of interest was the first innings lead, Dahiya and Rajat Bhatia resumed the Delhi innings at 309 and took the total past Tamil Nadu's 347 in the eighth over of the day. Thereafter, the two right-handers made merry as the hapless visiting team waited for mercy in the form of declaration.

Big stand

Even as Dahiya entertained, Bhatia moved from his overnight 101 to 166 in a less cavalier fashion as the duo raised 248 runs for the sixth wicket.

Later, the Tamil Nadu openers feasted on the offerings from leg-spinner Chetnya Nanda and left-arm spinner Rahul Sanghvi before falling to the former.

Immediately after the game was called off, L. Balaji's fitness was put to test. The injured medium-pacer was sorely missed by Tamil Nadu which now plays Andhra in Chennai from December 1.

The scores:

Tamil Nadu — 1st innings: 347.

Delhi — 1st innings: A. Chopra c Vijay b Yomahesh 4, G. Gambhir b Tamilkumaran 0, S. Dhawan c Badani b Yomahesh 106, M. Manhas lbw b Yomahesh 16, V. Kohli c Mani b Yomahesh 10, R. Bhatia c Sathish b Vidyut 166, V. Dahiya c Suresh b Badrinath 152, C. Nanda (not out) 5; Extras (b-6, lb-11, nb-13, w-2): 32; Total (for seven wkts. decl. in 155.5 overs) 491.

Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-25, 3-59, 4-75, 5-208, 6-456, 7-491.

Tamil Nadu bowling: V. Yomahesh 38-10-136-4, D. Tamilkumaran 35-12-116-1, R. Sathish 34-17-48-0, A. Kapoor 27-3-81-0, C. Suresh 17-2-75-0, S. Vidyut 4-1-12-1, S. Badrinath 0.5-0-6-1.

Tamil Nadu — 2nd innings: M. Vijay c (sub) Tehlan b Nanda 38, S. Vidyut c Chopra b Nanda 25, H. Badani (not out) 0, V. Yomahesh (not out) 3; Total (for two wkts. in 25 overs) 66.

Fall of wickets: 1-62, 2-63.

Delhi bowling: Ishant Sharma 1-1-0-0, C. Nanda 12-1-31-2, R. Sanghvi 12-1-35-0.

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