Delhi recorded a thrilling two-run victory over Haryana in the North Zone leg of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 here today.
After being bowled out for a below-par 110 in their alloted 20 overs, Delhi pulled out victory from the jaws of defeat as they restricted Haryana to 108 for eight in 20 overs.
This was after Haryana were cruising along at 74 for one in 13 overs before pacers Parvinder Awana (3/11) applied brakes on the hosts' scoring.
Delhi coach Sanjeev Sharma, who got his first assignment with the senior team was ecstatic.
"I am happy that boys put up a brilliant performance even when it looked as if we are going to surrender meekly. This win will give us a lot of confidence as we go into the knock-out rounds."
Opting to bat, Delhi, sans an ailing Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag, found the going tough from the word 'go' and lost wickets at regular intervals, which put paid to their hopes of posting a decent total on the board.
Barring Varun Sood (28), Milind Kumar (27), Manan Sharma (11) and Pawan Negi, no other Delhi batsmen managed double didgit scores.
For Haryana, skipper Amit Mishra (2/12) and his spin partner Ajit Chandila (1/18) picked up two wickets apiece.
In contrast, Haryana started their innings on a steady note, reaching 74 for the loss of two wickets before their chase feel by the wayside.
Brief Scores: Delhi: 110 all out in 20 overs (Varun Sood 28, Milind Kumar 27; Amit Mishra 2/12, Ajit Chandila 2/18).
Haryana: 108 for 8 in 20 overs (Nitin Saini 47; Parvinder Awana 3/11, Varun Sood 2/14). Points: Delhi 4; Haryana 0.
