Gautam Gambhir takes Delhi into semi-finals of Ranji Trophy

Vijaywada: The seasoned Gautam Gambhir struck a fine 95 and powered Delhi to the semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy following a seven-wicket victory over Madhya Pradesh here on Monday.

Delhi will take on Bengal in their semi-final. Chasing 217 for an outright win, Delhi relied on Gambhir’s 129-ball 95, which was laced with nine boundaries and a six.

Even as the bowlers failed to dismiss him, Gambhir was unfortunately run out by Mihir Hirwani as he approached what would have been a well-deserved century.

The out-of-favour India opener was well-supported by Kunal Chandela (57) and Dhruv Shorey, who remained unbeaten on 46, when the winning runs were scored at the Dr Gokaraju Liala Gangaaraju ACA Cricket Ground.

Delhi were 8/0 at stumps on the fourth and penultimate evening with Kunal Chandela and Vikas Tokas in the middle.

Delhi were dealt an early blow when Tokas was sent back by medium pacer Ishwar Pandey with just 11 runs on the scoreboard.

A 98-run partnership for the second wicket between Gambhir and Chandela ensured Delhi remained on course for a win. The two went along nicely till Hirwani, who had a five-wicket haul in the first innings, removed Chandela when the scoreboard read 111.

A 95-run stand ensued, for the third wicket between Gambhir and Shorey, as Delhi completed the job with plenty left in their arsenal.

Left-arm orthodox spinner AdityaSarwate (6/41) claimed a six-wicket haul as Vidarbha posted a comfortable 412-run win over Kerala in their quarter-final.

Vidarbha take on Karnataka, who defeated Mumbai in another quarterfinal match, in their last-four game.

Resuming on 431/6, Vidarbha declared their second innings on 507/9 to set a mammoth target of 578 for Kerala.