Chandigarh’s remarkable journey in the Ranji Trophy has reached new heights as they secured a resounding victory over Delhi, their third consecutive win in the tournament. This triumph has solidified their position atop the standings in Group D with 19 points from four matches, bringing them closer to a quarterfinal berth for the first time in their five-year existence.
After resuming the fourth day on 46 for no loss, Chandigarh needed 157 runs to seal the victory. The host team displayed their dominance by chasing down the target at a run rate of 5.06 with nine wickets in hand. Shivam Bhambri emerged as the star with the bat, notching up a century in the final stages of the game with a six over mid-on off Hrithik Shokeen. Bhambri had also made a significant contribution of 80 runs in the first innings, earning him the Player of the Match Award.
Manan Vohra’s presence at the crease was equally significant. The 31-year-old captain has been at the helm of Chandigarh since its inaugural season in 2019-20. Vohra expressed his team’s elation and the culmination of their hard work over the past five years. He acknowledged the challenges they faced in the past, including the threat of relegation to the Plate division. However, the recent victories have ignited a sense of confidence and determination within the team.
The scores:
Delhi — 1st innings: 276. Chandigarh — 1st innings: 324. Delhi — 2nd innings: 250. Chandigarh — 2nd innings: Arslan Khan c Shokeen b Mathur 68, Shivam Bhambri (not out) 100, Manan Vohra (not out) 24; Extras (b-8, lb-3, w-1): 12; Total (for one wkt. in 40.2 overs): 204. Fall of wicket: 1-130. Delhi bowling: Siddhant 5-1-17-0, Shokeen 7.2-0-50-0, Badoni 5-0-17-0, Mathur 9-2-34-1, Chauhan 4-0-14-0, Vashisth 9-1-48-0, Dhull 1-0-13-0. Player of the Match: Shivam Bhambri.
