Ranji Trophy Live: Delhi look to extend lead against Railways

Delhi on Friday took the first innings lead against Railways in their Group D Ranji Trophy match, powered by captain Ayush Badoni's impressive 99 after Himanshu Sangwan's crucial dismissal of Virat Kohli on the second day.

Delhi, starting at 41 for 1, surpassed Railways' total of 241 thanks to a solid 133-run partnership between Badoni and Sumit Mathur.

At the end of play on Day 2, Delhi reached 334 for 7, establishing a 93-run lead.

Badoni's aggressive batting display kept the Railways bowlers under pressure. His innings came to an end when he attempted a slog sweep against leg-spinner Karn Sharma in the 56th over.

With Delhi in trouble, Badoni took charge, counterattacking with a series of commanding strokes, particularly targeting left-arm spinner Ayan Chaudhari, whom he dispatched for three sixes. The skipper raced into the 90s with back-to-back maximums but fell agonisingly short of a century, mistiming a sweep off Karn Sharma to short fine-leg on 99.

His innings, laced with 12 fours and three sixes, reaffirmed his pivotal role in Delhi’s campaign. Badoni remains both the leading run-getter and wicket-taker for his side this Ranji Trophy season, underlining his all-round impact.

However, the highlight of the morning session on Day 2 was the prized scalp of Kohli, who was bowled for a low score by pacer Himanshu Sangwan. The former India captain walked in to a rousing reception but lasted only a few deliveries before being undone by a delivery that seamed back in, uprooting his off-stump. Kohli had just smashed a crisp straight drive for four but, standing outside the crease, went for another aggressive stroke and missed completely.

Sangwan had earlier broken a threatening stand by dismissing opener Sanat Sangwan (30 off 81), reducing Delhi to 97/4 in the 30th over.

Skipper Ayush Badoni’s fearless 99 powered Delhi to a first-innings lead against Railways on day two of their Group D Ranji Trophy clash on Friday, overshadowing the early dismissal of Virat Kohli.

Resuming at 41/1, Delhi rode on a crucial 133-run partnership between Badoni (99 off 77) and Sumit Mathur (78 off 189) to surpass Railways' 241. At stumps, Delhi stood at 334/7, leading by 93 runs.