Chhattisgarh vs Delhi, Elite Group D Ranji Trophy Elite 2024-25 | Delhi Secures First Innings Lead as Chhattisgarh Holds On for a Draw in Ranji Trophy Clash

The Elite Group D match between Chhattisgarh and Delhi in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy ended in a hard-fought draw, with Delhi taking crucial first-innings points. The game, played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, saw plenty of resilience from both sides, with standout performances from Jonty Sidhu, Aayush Pandey, and Ajay Mandal.

Delhi Takes First Innings Lead After Strong All-Round Performance

Chhattisgarh won the toss and opted to bat first. They posted a competitive 343 in their first innings, thanks largely to significant contributions from Aayush Pandey (89), Ajay Mandal (69), and Sanjeet Desai (77*). Pandey anchored the top order with a composed knock, but Chhattisgarh’s middle and lower order struggled against Delhi’s bowlers.

Ayush Badoni was the pick of the bowlers for Delhi, claiming 4-43 in his 11.5 overs. Left-arm spinner Harsh Tyagi also contributed, picking up 3-51, while Hrithik Shokeen added 2-92, dismissing key middle-order players to limit Chhattisgarh’s total.

In reply, Delhi surpassed Chhattisgarh’s score with a first-innings total of 357, giving them a slender but important lead of 14 runs. Jonty Sidhu was the star of the innings, notching up a crucial unbeaten century (103*), batting with composure across 170 deliveries. Himmat Singh (65) and Ayush Badoni (41) also made key contributions, supporting Sidhu as Delhi built their total. Ajay Mandal (3-101) and Ashish Chouhan (3-54) were the best bowlers for Chhattisgarh.

Chhattisgarh Fight Back in Second Innings, Match Ends in a Draw

Chhattisgarh’s second innings saw them battling hard to save the match. Aayush Pandey once again looked in fine form, scoring 33 off 44 balls before falling to Navdeep Saini. The Delhi pacer was on fire, picking up 3 wickets, including the key dismissals of Pandey and captain Amandeep Khare (18 off 80 balls), as Chhattisgarh found themselves under pressure at 141-6.

However, Ajay Mandal proved to be a roadblock for Delhi. Coming in at No. 7, Mandal played a crucial unbeaten knock of 57*, finding the boundary nine times and clearing it once. His resilient partnership with Bhupen Lalwani (3* off 21 balls) guided Chhattisgarh to 179-6 before the captains shook hands and agreed to a draw.

Navdeep Saini’s figures of 3-36 in 12 overs were the highlight of Delhi's bowling effort in the second innings, while Hrithik Shokeen (2-35) and Himanshu Chauhan (1-20) chipped in with key wickets. Despite their efforts, Chhattisgarh's lower order held firm, ensuring the match ended without a result.

Player of the Match: Jonty Sidhu Jonty Sidhu’s impressive 103* in Delhi’s first innings proved to be the difference-maker in a tight contest, earning him the Player of the Match award. His innings not only helped Delhi take a first-innings lead but also provided stability when the team was under pressure.

Match Summary:

• Chhattisgarh 1st Innings: 343 all out (Aayush Pandey 89, Ajay Mandal 69, Sanjeet Desai 77*; Ayush Badoni 4-43, Harsh Tyagi 3-51)
• Delhi 1st Innings: 357 all out (Jonty Sidhu 103*, Himmat Singh 65, Ayush Badoni 41; Ajay Mandal 3-101, Ashish Chouhan 3-54)
• Chhattisgarh 2nd Innings: 179-6 (Ajay Mandal 57*, Aayush Pandey 33; Navdeep Saini 3-36, Hrithik Shokeen 2-35)
• Result: Match drawn, Delhi took first-innings lead
• Player of the Match: Jonty Sidhu (Delhi)

Delhi will be pleased with their first-innings performance, earning vital points, while Chhattisgarh can take heart from the fight shown by their lower order, especially Ajay Mandal, in salvaging a draw