The Hindu : Sport : Rest of India posts a thumping win

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Rest of India posts a thumping win

Nandakumar Marar

Gambhir’s elegant knock only delays the inevitable

— Photo: PTI

WINNING SMILES: The Rest of India players present a happy picture after winning the Irani Cup comprehensively.

VADODARA: Gautam Gambhir’s 91 enabled Delhi stretch Rest of India for 31 overs on the fourth day of the Irani Cup. Anil Kumble, leading a virtual India squad from the front, removed the left-hander while the others gave in to the double spin attack at the Reliance stadium on Saturday.

The Ranji Trophy champion was bowled out before lunch for 190 in its second innings, easing Rest’s path to a 187-run victory. The potent spin duo of Kumble (three for 19) and Harbhajan (four for 31) shared the spoils.

Tricky wicket

The wicket proved tricky for batsmen on both sides, 20 wickets fell over four days, with Delhi unable to cross 200 in either innings. Gambhir’s 91 (the highest individual score ahead of Dhoni’s 84), stands out as a typically gritty effort from the left-hander and laced with elegant strokes. The Delhi left-hander, leading in Virender Sehwag’s absence, faced 176 balls.

India coach Gary Kirsten, for whom the tie was part of a preparatory phase prior to the Australia series, referred to Gambhir’s effort in a positive vein. “We got what we wanted out of this game. It was important for batsmen to get time out at the wicket. The players we needed to make contributions did so.”

Resuming on 51, Gambhir gauged the bounce and pace off the wicket well, making up for the lost opportunity in the first innings. He hit 12 boundaries, the standout ones being a flick and square cut off Zaheer, and a straight drive off R.P. Singh.

Mithun Manhas partnered him in a 46-run stand for the fifth wicket, after that it was all downhill for Delhi.

Munaf in the dock

Meanwhile, according to a BCA official, a decision to fine Munaf Patel 75 per cent of his match fees is being considered. This follows Sehwag’s written complaints to the match referee R. Jadeja of abusive language being used after close of play on day three. Munaf’s verbal beamer at Aakash Chopra in full view and victory jig after the batsman’s dismissal was the provocation. Kumble and Dravid were present at the hearing conducted by the match referee, added the official.

Sehwag was not around to view the after-effects of his action, taking Kirsten’s permission on Friday after stumps, and also informing the Delhi management about his plans to return to Delhi. Having already been dismissed, he had no further role to play in match and so opted to recover from an attack of migrane at home, according to team coach Vijay Dahiya, who attended the hearing after play ended.

The scores: Rest of India — 1st innings: 252.

Delhi — 1st innings: 177.

Rest of India — 2nd innings: 302

Delhi — 2nd innings: G. Gambhir c Dhoni b Kumble 91, V. Sehwag lbw b Zaheer 3, V. Kohli lbw b Zaheer 16, R. Bhatia c Dhoni b Harbhajan 31, A. Chopra b Zaheer 0, M. Manhas c Dravid b Harbhajan 12, P. Bisht c Zaheer b Harbhajan 9, C. Nanda lbw b Kumble 1, P. Sangwan lbw b Kumble 1, A. Nehra (not out) 5, I. Sharma c Badrinath b Harbhajan 0; Extras: (b-5, lb-11, nb-5) 21; Total: (60.5 overs) 190.

Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-37, 3-113 4-113, 5-159, 6-173, 7-175, 8-183, 9-187.

Rest of India bowling: Zaheer 12-0-47-3, R.P. Singh 13-2-49-0, Munaf 10-3-28-0, Kumble 11-4-19-3, Harbhajan 14.5-4-31-4.

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