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New Delhi, Dec 13: Orissa’s inconsistence run continued as hosts Delhi beat the visiting side by five wickets in a group C encounter of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, here Sunday.
Skipper Gautam Gambhir (67, 82b, 7×4) and middle-order batsman Milind Kumar (62 n o, 89b, 6×4) hit patient half centuries to guide Delhi to a convincing victory.
Batting first, Orissa scored 225 for nine in 50 overs with Natraj Behera (50, 56b, 4×4, 1×6) and Biplab Samantray (47, 67b, 1×4, 1×6) being the only notable run-getters.
In reply, Delhi scored the required runs in 46.3 overs as all the Orissa bowlers had an unusual off day. Gambhir started the chase with a steady knock while Milind completed with a responsible half century. Left-hander Vaibhav Rawal (40, 48b, 4×4) also chipped in with a useful knock.
The highlight of Delhi’s chase was a 72-run stand between Milind and Rawal. Gambhir’s innings had seven boundaries and the veteran India discard was involved in a useful 59-run stand for the second wicket with Dhruv Shorey (25, 33b, 2×4).
Nitish Rana (0) was out cheaply as Delhi were 88 for three at one stage. But Milind’s presence was a calming influence as he added 41 runs with Gambhir for the fourth wicket after which the team captain was run-out.
However Rawal-Milind combination carried the team to the doorstep of victory before left-hander Rawal was caught by Rajesh Dhuper off Alok Sahoo’s bowling. Alok (2/58) was the pick of the bowlers for Orissa, but he could not get any support from the other end.
Earlier, left-arm spinners Manan Sharma (3/47) and Pawan Negi (2/45) shared five wickets among them in 19 overs giving away only 92 runs as Orissa could not get a sizeable total on board. Barring Natraj and Biplab all other players of the visiting side failed to impress with the bat and Orissa’s innings never took off. Loss of regular wickets and lack of partnership also did not help the visiting side. Govind Poddar (30, 61b, 3×4) got a reasonable start but failed to consolidate further. After winning the opening game, Orissa suffered two consecutive losses in the tournament. Delhi got full five points for the victory.
Brief Scores: Orissa 225/9 in 50 overs (Natraj Behera 50, Manan Sharma 3/47) lost to Delhi 228/5 (Gautam Gambhir 67, Milind Kumar 62 n o, Vaibhav Rawal 40; Alok Sahoo 2/58) by five wickets.
Other Group C matches
(At Delhi): Maharashtra 294 (K Jadjav 131; R Banik 4/40, S Majumder 3/53) defeated Tripura 183 (S Majumder 52; S Gugale 4/21) by 111 runs.
(At Delhi): Baroda 173 (A Rayudu 40; R Thakur 4/27) lost to Vidarbha 174/3 (F Fazal 89, S Badrinath 47 n o) by seven wickets.