Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant reminded everyone of their class with match-defining knocks as Delhi edged past Gujarat by seven runs in a gripping Vijay Hazare Trophy encounter in Bengaluru. On a two-paced wicket that tested technique and temperament, the senior duo stood tall to guide Delhi to their second consecutive win in the tournament.
Kohli’s masterclass sets the tone
In a match where timing the ball was far from easy, Kohli’s 77 off 61 balls stood out as an innings of pure control. Returning to domestic cricket in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Kohli walked in early after Delhi lost a wicket and immediately took charge. Gujarat’s seamers tried to cramp him for room, even employing the wicketkeeper up to the stumps, but Kohli countered with authority.
This knock in the Vijay Hazare Trophy underlined a shift in Kohli’s approach—aggressive powerplay batting combined with his trademark balance. He raced to a 29-ball fifty, striking boundaries with ease while others struggled to rotate strike. Even as spinners slowed the scoring rate later, Kohli ensured Delhi had a competitive platform before being stumped.
Pant’s composure lifts Delhi to safety
While Kohli provided the spark, Pant supplied stability. Batting at No.5 in this Vijay Hazare Trophy clash, the Delhi skipper crafted a mature 70, adapting cleverly to the surface. Unlike his usual free-flowing style, Pant focused on strike rotation and selective aggression.
Facing spinners like Ravi Bishnoi and Vishal Jayswal, Pant found favourable match-ups and capitalised, scoring the bulk of his runs against spin. His innings ensured Delhi reached 254/9, a total that looked defendable given the pitch conditions. Performances like this reaffirm why the Vijay Hazare Trophy remains a vital platform for top players to showcase adaptability.
Delhi hold nerve in tense finish
Defending 255 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy was never going to be straightforward. Gujarat appeared comfortable at 121/2 before Delhi’s bowlers, led by Ishant Sharma and Navdeep Saini, applied the brakes. Tight spells and timely wickets shifted momentum back.
A late counterattack threatened Delhi’s chances, but disciplined bowling and sharper fielding in the final overs made the difference. Kohli’s catch to dismiss Ravi Bishnoi sealed a dramatic win, highlighting how the Vijay Hazare Trophy often hinges on fine margins.
Ultimately, this contest showcased why the Vijay Hazare Trophy continues to deliver high-quality cricket—where experience, temperament, and clutch moments decide outcomes.
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