Ranji Trophy: Maharashtra push for win, Delhi hold firm

PUNE: Maharashtra failed to ram home the advantage but were still eyeing victory against Delhi after the end of third day’s play in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group ‘B’ match here on Thursday.


Thanks to some dropped catches and resolute batting by their middle order, Delhi reached 233/5 at stumps, with Himmat Singh batting on 67 and Lalit Yadav giving him company on six. It meant a lead of 100 runs and still a lot of work to do for the visitors on the final day on a track that seems to be easing out at the MCA stadium.

Maharashtra could have tightened the screws further but Siddhesh Veer at point and wicketkeeper Saurabh Nawale grassed Yash Dhull (57) on 15. Later, captain Rahul Tripathi failed to hold on to a straight-forward chance from Vaibhav Rawal (55) of his own bowling.

Brief Scores: Delhi 191 and 233/5 in 72 overs (Himmat Singh 67n.o, Yash Dhull 57, Nitish Rana 40) vs Maharashtra 324 in 124.5 overs (Azim Kazi 124, Ashay Palkar 100; Simarjeet Singh 4/69). Delhi lead by 100 runs.