Delhi recover after poor start in Ranji Trophy

Vijayawada, Jan 4 (UNI) After a disastrons start, losing their first three wickets for a paltry 24, Delhi recovered to be in a strong position with 160 for three at stumps on the penultimate day of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group-A match at Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation stadium here today.

Delhi's captain Mithun Manhas, who came at number five, played a solid knock and remained unbeaten with 86 runs of 88 balls studded with ten boundaries.

After establishing the first innings lead of 146 runs, Delhi opener and the former test cricketer Aakash Chopra was the first to be adjudged leg-before to medium-pacer K S Shahabuddin and later the first innings centurion fell quickly, when he was caught behind off the bowling of D Kalyan Krishna, without opening his account.

Kalyan, then trapped Aditya leg before for 11 runs.

Mitthun came to rescue the and had a fruitful partnership of 136 runs with Shikar Dhawan for the fourth wicket, who was batting with 53 (118 balls, three fours) at stumps.

For the hosts, Kalyan picked up two wickets for 41 runs and Shahabuddin, claimed the other for 18 runs.

Earlier, resuming at its overnight score of 92 for four, Andhra was bowled out for 209. L N Prasad Reddy was the main star batsman for his team who, not only remained unbeaten with 71, but was also instrumental in his team avoiding the follow-on.

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