Delhi secured a thrilling three-wicket victory against Saurashtra in a high-scoring Group D encounter of the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Monday. The win was orchestrated by aggressive half-centuries from opener Priyansh Arya and middle-order batter Tejasvi Dahiya, helping their side chase down a target of 321 with seven balls to spare at the Alur 2 ground in Bengaluru.
Arya and Dahiya's Blazing Knocks Seal the Chase
Chasing a formidable 321 for victory, Delhi's innings was propelled by a blistering start from Priyansh Arya. The opener smashed 78 runs off just 45 deliveries, setting a rapid pace for the chase. He was well-supported by Ayush Doseja, with the pair adding 66 runs for the second wicket. After Arya's departure, Tejasvi Dahiya took charge, scoring a composed 53 from 51 balls to keep Delhi on track.
The match saw a modest return for Delhi captain Rishabh Pant, who scored 22 runs off 26 balls before being caught by Jay Gohil off Chirag Jani's bowling. Following Pant's dismissal and a middle-order wobble that saw the score at 160 for four, Dahiya stitched crucial partnerships. He added 48 runs with Pant and later 40 runs with Harsh Tyagi to stabilize the innings.
Saurashtra's Strong Total Built on Jadeja's Century
Earlier, after being put into bat, Saurashtra posted a competitive total of 320 for seven in their 50 overs. Opener Vishvarajsinh Jadeja was the cornerstone of their innings, crafting a magnificent 115 from 104 balls. He found a formidable partner in Ruchit Ahir, who played a fiery unbeaten knock of 95 runs from only 65 deliveries, ensuring Saurashtra finished with a strong flourish.
For Delhi, pace bowler Navdeep Saini was the pick of the bowlers, delivering an impressive spell of 3 wickets for 41 runs in his full quota of 10 overs. His efforts were crucial in restricting Saurashtra from reaching an even more daunting total.
Lower Order Finishes the Job for Delhi
After Tejasvi Dahiya was dismissed, Delhi still needed 73 runs from the final 12 overs. The responsibility fell on the lower order, and they delivered under pressure. Harsh Tyagi played a vital cameo, scoring 49 runs off 45 balls. He was ably assisted by Navdeep Saini, who remained not out on 34. The duo held their nerve in the closing stages, guiding Delhi past the finish line in 48.5 overs.
It is noteworthy that the Delhi side played this match without the services of star batter Virat Kohli. Kohli, who scored a century and a fifty in Delhi's first two matches of the tournament, is scheduled to rejoin the squad on January 6 for the match against Railways at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
With this victory, Delhi now leads Group D with 12 points from three matches, strengthening their position in the prestigious domestic one-day competition. The team showcased depth and resilience, overcoming the challenge posed by Saurashtra's big total and the early departure of their skipper.
