Delhi manage a single point as Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir flop again

Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir`s wretched form in domestic cricket continued as Delhi could only manage a solitary point against Gujarat despite a lion-hearted effort from their bowlers on the final day of their group A Ranji Trophy game on Sunday.

Surat: Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir`s wretched form in domestic cricket continued as Delhi could only manage a solitary point against Gujarat despite a lion-hearted effort from their bowlers on the final day of their group A Ranji Trophy game here on Sunday.

Chasing a victory target of 257 in maximum 47 overs, Sehwag (15) and Gambhir (44) couldn`t make a match of it as play was called off after Delhi crawled to 100 for three in 32 overs. Gujarat had scored 320 in the first innings and then managed to bowl out Delhi for 295 thereby ensuring three points by virtue of 25-run first innings lead. Starting the day at 89 for four, Gujarat were all out for 231 in their second innings but more importantly played 77.4 overs which also reduced Delhi`s chances of making a match of it. The tail wagged for Gujarat as their spin trio of Akshar Patel (29), Jesal Karia (32) and Rakesh Dhurv (25) played close to 27 overs between themselves to clinch three points for the hosts. It was a stiff target and once Sehwag came in at No 3, he announced his arrival with a boundary but another irresponsible shot brought about his downfall. Trying to hit left-arm spinner Akshar out of the park, the India discard missed the flight and was stumped by Parthiv Patel. Delhi skipper Gambhir found it difficult to get going on a track that offered turn as painstaking 83-ball-44 included four boundaries and was adjudged leg before by padding up a straighter one from Dhurv. Once Gambhir was gone, it was just formality and two captains called off the match at start of mandatory over. Brief Scores: Gujarat 320 & 231 in 77.4 overs (Parthiv Patel 56, Jesal Karia 32, Vikas Mishra 4/83) Delhi 295 & (target 257) 100/3 (Gautam Gambhir 44, Virender Sehwag 15). Points: Gujarat 3; Delhi 1.