Rest of India thrash Delhi by 187 runs

Vadodara: Rest of India's skipper Anil Kumble (three for 47) and off-spinner Harbhajan Singh (four for 31) bowled their team to a 187-run victory over Ranji Trophy champions on the penultimate day of the five-day Irani Cup cricket match at the Reliance Stadium here on Saturday.

Indian off-spinner Harbhajan, who had accounted for Rajat Bhatia on Friday, was the pick of the Rest bowlers while bowling in tandem with his skipper. Zaheer Khan too had a good match taking three for 47 in Delhi's second innings.

Delhi opener Gautam Gambhir waged a lone battle even as wickets kept tumbling at the other end in the morning session of play which ended when Ishant Sharma was caught by S Badrinath off Harbhajan for a duck, 18 minutes before lunch.

Resuming at their overnight score of 113 for three, the Delhi team were like a rudderless plane caught in a hurricane after their skipper and Indian opening batsman -- Virender Sehwag opted to go back to Delhi on Friday night. And their innings folded up for 190 in 60.5 overs.

However, India's other opening batsman -- Gambhir was the only one who put up some resistance and played with aggression despite his team staring at defeat.

Chopra, who had twisted his right ankle while fielding and had to come lower down the order, was the first to go off the first ball he faced off Zaheer Khan when he played onto his stumps for no score.

More Headlines from News

• Knight Riders sign up Haryana all-rounder

• Ponting doffs his hat at braveheart Smith

• Smith batted without painkillers on final day

• Mohali police slaps huge security bill on PCA

• McGrath impressed with 'stand-out' Siddle