Robin Singh bowls Delhi to first innings lead

Fine bowling by medium pacer Robin Singh helped Delhi to gain a first innings lead of 32 runs on the second day of their North Zone Ranji Trophy league match against Services at the Ferozeshah Kotla in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Resuming at 24 for one in reply to Delhi's 256, Services despite a patient 46 by opener H Bhaskar who batted 229 minutes, faced 130 balls and had four boundary hits, lost wickets at regular intervals. Robin Singh, a former India bowler, caused the early damage as Services slumped to 70 for six. But S Ghag, coming in at No 8, turned the innings around with a bright 62 off 46 balls. He hit 13 fours and a six. S Javed at No 10 contributed a valuable unbeaten 25 before Services were all out for 224. Robin Singh finished with five for 61.

By stumps Delhi had consolidated their position by scoring 91 for one in 26 overs. After Ashu Dani (2) fell at four, P Chawla (57) and A Chopra (25) added 87 runs for the unrboken second wicket. By close Chawla, much the dominant partner, had faced 75 balls and hit eight fours.