Delhi under-23 batsmen hit top gear, chase 290 to take full points

The Delhi under-23 team fought the hovering sunset to romp to a stunning four-wicket win against Gujarat at the Jamia Millia Islamia’s MAK Pataudi Sports Complex ground to stay alive in the competition for Col CK Nayudu Trophy.

At the end of the third day’s play, it seemed the home team will have to be satisfied with the first innings lead only, take just three points in the match points category. Under the new rule, teams get points for bowling, batting and the entire match separately.

Gujarat No. 5 Ahaan Poddar made full use of the couple of chances that came his way to score 157 not out, helping Gujarat declare at 344/7 and set Delhi an imposing 290 in 68 overs on the fourth morning, on Monday.

The plan was clear. A day before, Delhi batsmen faced the ire of the coaching staff for not being able to put up big scores in the season.

That probably hit them hard as they went about the task of chasing the target.

Priyansh Arya (32 off 21 balls) and Arpit Rana (112 off 135 balls) added 45 runs for in just under six overs to set the ball rolling.  

“The plan was very simple. Whatever target we face, we will have to chase by hook or crook. That was the mindset, we had to play positively and convert loose balls. Go for the win,” said Rana after the match.  

(From left) Ayush Doseja, Arpit Rana, and Sujal Singh

He added 170 for the second wicket with left-handed batsman Sujal Singh, who walked in at No. 3 and scored 79 off 117 balls.

“We wanted to chase that target come what may. We had to take the risk and chase. Gujarat gave us time to chase, they declared early. We wanted to take it ball by ball and bat as per the intent,” said Sujal.  

“We knew whatever runs we have to chase we can since our batting line is very strong.”

Rana said that both the openers had decided to play positive cricket.

“When Priyansh and I went into bat, we decided that we will play positive cricket. Whatever ball we get, we will have to convert. That is what I had planned. We knew if we play normal cricket, we will chase it.”

The match may have been out of Delhi’s grasp if Ayush Doseja had not held ground to score a century in the first innings.

Delhi had been reduced to 60/4 in response to Gujarat’s 234. But Doseja scored 119 not out to take Delhi beyond Gujarat’s total and help them take a 55-run lead.

“I wasn’t able to convert my fifties into hundreds in the previous innings, so my mindset was to stay positive and play as per merit of the ball. Once I got set, I started getting runs,” said the left-handed batsman who plays for Ravi Brothers and was captain of Delhi under-23 team last season.  

“I was getting over-defensive after getting to 50-60 in earlier games. I had belief that if I play positively in this innings after crossing 50 I will be able to make a century,” added the 22-year-old.

Doseja though fell early in the second innings at the fag end of the fourth day as he tried to help Delhi get the much-needed win.

“When I was batting, it was 4.14 pm. The umpire said that the time is till 4.30-4.35 pm. We had to get 30-35 runs. There were only 15 minutes left to make those 30-35 runs. That is why I tried to hit out and was caught.”

It was fitting that Mayank Gusain, who has been very consistent with the bat through the season, hit the winning runs. He has been called up for the Delhi Ranji Trophy squad that plays Jharkhand from November 13.

Delhi took home 12 points, Gujarat got six. The Hardik Sharma-led side are placed third in points table with 40. Uttar Pradesh lead the table with 48 points while Gujarat are second with 42 points.

Tags : Delhi cricket, Col CK Nayudu Trophy, under-23, Ayush Doseja, Mayank Gusain, Sujal Singh, Priyansh Arya, Ahaan Poddar, Arpit Rana, Gujarat cricket