Ajay Mani stars for HP in Delhi’s humbling

Una (HP): Akash Chopra’s century went in vain as Ajay Mani struck an unbeaten 70 to help Himachal Pradesh inflict a two-wicket defeat on Delhi in a closely fought Ranji Trophy North Zone match on Thursday.

Opting to bat first, Delhi put up a competitive 281 for five, riding on Chopra’s 100 and Rajat Bhatia’s unbeaten 77.

Vikrant Mallik claimed two wickets for the hosts. Chasing a stiff target, Mani and Sangram Singh (57) held their nerves to steer the hosts to their third consecutive victory with four balls to spare.

Pradeep Sangwan was the most successful bowler for the visitors with a three-wicket haul.

For Delhi, who had earlier humbled Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, it was their first defeat.

Brief score:

Delhi: 281/5 in 50 overs (Akash Chopra 100, Rajat Bhatia 77 not out, Vikrant Mallik 56/2 wickets).

Himachal Pradesh: 282/8 in 49.2 overs (Ajay Mani 70 not out, Sangram Singh 57, Pradeep Sangwan 51/3 wickets).