Rohtak: Sehwag returns to form with ton Thursday, January 11, 2007 04:10 [IST]

Rohtak: Virender Sehwag made a timely return to form with a typically
stroke-filled century but Delhi
failed to build on his knock on the first day of the Ranji Trophy Super League
cricket match against Haryana here today.
Sehwag, whose place in the Indian team has come under threat due to a prolonged
form slump, smashed a 134-ball 106 as Delhi
closed the opening day at 330 for seven at the Bansi Lal stadium.
The right-handed batsman, leading the side and coming in at no 4, cracked 15
boundaries during his 160-minute stay at the crease.
Test discard Aakash Chopra made 84 at the top of the order and shared a crucial
112-run partnership with his skipper for the third wicket.
The duo's association helped the visitors recover from early hiccups when they
lost two wickets for 69 after electing to bat.
Delhi, however,
allowed the initiative to slip out of their hands by losing three wickets for
20 runs in the afternoon session.
All-rounder Rajat Bhatia, who has struck a purple patch this season, remained
the lone recognised batsman on 55 when stumps were drawn. Chetanya Nanda was
the other unbeaten batsman with 29 to his name.
Leg-spinner Amit Mishra picked 3-67, including the wicket of Sehwag with a
return catch.
Both teams are looking for the first innings lead from the last league
encounter that will ensure they remain in Elite Division next year.
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