Chandela, Himmat fifties secure Delhi's first-innings lead

Fifties from opener Kunal Chandela and Himmat Singh, along with handy middle-order contributions from Rishabh Pant and Nitish Rana carried Delhi to a vital first-innings lead against Madhya Pradesh in their quarter-final in Vijayawada. Delhi secured a 67-run lead after they were bowled out for 405 in the 120th over. Madhya Pradesh finished the third day at 47 for 2, trailing Delhi by 20 runs.

Ishwar Pandey struck early on the third morning, removing Chandela for 81, after he had added eight runs to his overnight score. Pant (49) and Rana (43) stitched up a 64-run, fourth-wicket stand to stabilise Delhi. Himmat then put Delhi in control of the game with partnerships of 62 with Manan Sharma (28) and 47 with Vikas Tokas (13).

Madhya Pradesh gave themselves a chance by toppling over Delhi's last four wickets for 17 runs. Legspinner Mihir Hirwani led the bowling with figures of 5 for 89, his fifth five-wicket haul in 13 matches.

In reply, Madhya Pradesh lost Rajat Patidar early to Tokas before Ankit Dane, the other opener, was run out in the penultimate over of the day for 16. Shubham Sharma and nightwatchman Puneet Datey were unbeaten at stumps.