MUM vs DEL, Ranji Trophy: Delhi’s all-round efforts keep Mumbai in check on day three

Divij Mehra’s five-wicket haul and a fluent 106-run partnership between Vaibhav Kandpal and captain Ayush Doseja on Saturday put Delhi in a strong position to avoid defeat against Mumbai in the final league round of the Ranji Trophy Group D.

Mehra’s (5/64) spell — his second five-wicket haul in First-Class cricket, and again against Mumbai — ensured the hosts did not run away with the game in the morning session. The left-handed duo of Kandpal (61, 107b, 7×4) and Doseja (62 n.o., 78b, 6×4) then refrained Mumbai from racing through the Delhi middle order as the visitors finished the penultimate day’s proceedings at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy ground at 206 for four.

Using the second new ball to telling effect, Mehra repeatedly hit the right length and was rewarded for his discipline as Mumbai, resuming at 266 for five, added just 51 runs for their last five wickets.

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Mumbai was hoping that captain Siddhesh Lad and Suved Parkar would see off the new ball, but both were dismissed within the first half hour. Money Grewal struck early by breaching Lad’s defence, while Mehra forced Parkar into a loose drive outside off that flew to the wicketkeeper. Mehra later completed his fifer when Mohit Avasthi was adjudged caught behind, before debutant Rahul Dagar picked up his maiden First Class wicket as Mumbai was bowled out for 317, securing a first-innings lead of 96.

Delhi’s reply began shakily when Tushar Deshpande struck in his fifth over, trapping Dagar lbw. Soon after, Sanat Sangwan — the first-innings centurion — was caught at first slip by substitute Hardik Tamore, raising Mumbai’s hopes of a quick collapse. Tamore was on the field right through the day in place of Sarfaraz Khan, who appeared to have stretched his hamstring while batting.

However, Kandpal and Aryan Rana steadied the innings with a measured stand before the latter was undone by Himanshu Singh, offering a return catch. That brought Doseja to the crease, and the captain ensured Delhi seized the initiative.

Kandpal, who survived a blow to the helmet during a short-ball burst from Deshpande, batted with assurance, while Doseja looked fluent square off the wicket and behind point. The pair rotated strike well and picked their moments to attack, preventing Mumbai from controlling the game.

Kandpal eventually top-edged Himanshu to deep square leg, but not before Delhi had moved into a position of strength. At stumps, Delhi had an overall lead of 110 runs heading into the final day.

Published on Jan 31, 2026