Delhi earn two points as Ranji match against TN ends in a draw

New Delhi, Nov 26 (UNI) Hosts Delhi collected two points by virtue of having secured the first-innings lead against Tamil Nadu in their Ranji Trophy lung-opener which ended in a tame draw here today.

Big centuries from Rajat Bhatia and Vijay Dahiya ensured that they responded to Tamil Nadu's 347 with a massive 491 for 7 before declaring and giving their bowlers a chance to get some practice under their belt early in the season.

Tamil Nadu were 66 for 2 when play was called off at the start of the mandatory overs.

Resuming on an overnight 101, Bhatia added 65 runs to his individual score and was looking good for a double-century when he holed out to long off. Bhatia, who struck 21 boundaries in his 335-ball stay at the crease, went after the left-arm spin of S Vidyut, but failed to clear the fielder at long-off when he attempted an inside out shot and was caught by R Sathish.

By this time though, the match as a contest had ended. In just the eighth over of the morning session, Delhi had secured the first-innings lead and this meant that the rest of the day was merely a leather-hunt for Tamil Nadu. Dahiya, who had begun aggressively on the third day, continued in the same vein, and he was last out hitting S Badrinath to midwicket. Dahiya made 152 with the help of 27 boundaries.

''We have been working very hard for the last 40 days and this has paid off,'' Delhi coach Chetan Chauhan told reporters at the end of the match.

''We have been working very hard on our physical fitness and have had the support of the assistant coach, the physiotherapist and the trainer, and this paid off.'' Chetan Chauhan's opposite number, Woorkheri Raman, the former Test batsman, said, ''There were some positives to take from this game. If we were to have a setback it is best we have it early on so we can rectify our faults and do what is needed in the season ahead.'' Tamil Nadu next play Andhra while Delhi take on Ranji champions Uttar Pradesh.

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