Services struggling to avoid innings defeat

Delhi: Despite a valuable 60-run fifth wicket partnership between Abu Eric Samy and Saranjeet Singh, Services were struggling to avoid an innings defeat against Delhi on the third day of their North Zone Ranji Trophy match here on Tuesday.

Services, trailing by 303 runs after Delhi declared their first innings at 444 for eight, were reeling at 140 for five in their second innings, at close with Sarabjeet Singh, on 42, waging a lone battle at the Harbax Singh stadium.

The hosts, who were shot out for a paltry 141 in their in their first essay, still needed 163 runs to make Delhi bat again with only five wickets intact.

Earlier, Manhas, who was 15 short of his century, completed his ton but lost his overnight partner Rahul Sanghvi (25), bowled by off-spinner M.V.Rao. Manhas continued his good work with Amit Bhandari (20 not out) to take Delhi to 444 at the first drinks break when skipper Ajay Sharma declared the innings. Manhas remained unbeaten at 125 with nine hits to the ropes.

The Delhi bowlers were on fire in the first session but lost steam once Abu Eric (39) and Sarabjeet Singh (42*) were at the crease. Ajay Sharma was guilty of under-utilising Nikhil Chopra, who sent down only three overs during the day.

The pitch at Harbaksh Stadium did not offer much assistance to paceman, but Sharma continued with his seam duo instead of the battery of spinners who could have explorted the pitch to their advantage. Abu Eric and Sarabjeet Singh saved Services from actue embarressment before Bhandari dismissed Eric to push Services closer to defeat. Eric struck four boundaries during his 214 minute stay at the crease. Sarabjeet continued with his disciplined vigil at the wicket and found an able partner in G.S.Thapa (7*).