Nadaun (HP): Virender Sehwag's wretched time in domestic cricket continued as the veteran opener failed to open his account but Delhi did manage to comfortably beat Punjab by four wickets to notch up their maiden win in north zone leg of the Vijay Hazare One Day meet here today.
In a match reduced to 45 overs a side, Punjab managed to score a none-too-impressive 182 for six with Yuvraj Singh managing only 15. It was Taruwar Kohli (50) and Gurkeerat Singh Maan (47), who put on a steady stand to see Punjab past 180-run mark.
In reply, Delhi knocked off the runs with an over to spare as veteran Rajat Bhatia (58 no) anchoring the chase to perfection with a 72-ball knock that had five fours and two sixes.
In fact, Bhatia also got the prize wicket of Yuvraj with a slower delivery as the left-hander was caught and bowled having struggled during his 34-ball stay.
Among Delhi bowlers, medium pacer Sumit Narwal (3/23) had the best figures while Ashish Nehra (2/41) also didn't bowl badly.
When Delhi started the chase, Sehwag was dismissed for a first-ball duck as he nicked a swinging delivery from seamer Sandeep Sharma to wicketkeeper Geetansh Khera.
Gautam Gambhir (22) and Unmukt Chand (19) did put up a partnership but it was nothing significant. It was left Bhatia and Puneet Bisht (30) to steer Delhi towards a win.
Punjab captain Harbhajan Singh went wicketless for 49 runs in nine overs.
Delhi now have four points from two matches while Punjab are staring at zonal leg exit after successive defeats from two matches.
Brief Scores: Punjab 182/6 (Yuvraj Singh 15, Taruwar Kohli 50, Gurkeerat Singh Mann 47, Sumit Narwal 3/23, Ashish Nehra 2/41)
Delhi 188/6 in 44 overs (Virender Sehwag 0, Gautam Gambhir 21, Rajat Bhatia 58 no). Delhi won by 4 wkts
Points: Delhi 4; Punjab 0.
