Jaffer's ton takes Mumbai to Ranji semis

NEW DELHI: Wasim Jaffer smashed Delhi to pulp with an unbeaten 170 to give Mumbai a comprehensive six-wicket win and move into the semifinals of Ranji trophy one-day tournament on Sunday.

Chasing a target of 298, the opening partnership of 171 runs between Jaffer and Ajinkya Rahane (61) laid the foundation of Mumbai's victory.

Jaffer's innings was studded with 18 boundaries from 161 balls.

Delhi sniffed its chances after removing three quick wickets but Abishek Nair supported Jaffer with his little attacking knock of 21, ensuring Mumbai's victory.

Earlier, Delhi' Gautam Gambhir (105) and Aakash Chopra (74) shared an opening partnership of 183 runs to put up a challenging total of  297 for five.

Mithun Manhas and (47) and captain Shikhar Dhawan (33) also contributed for Delhi, on a wicket that offered little help to the bowlers.

Delhi's coach Chetan Chauhan said he was disappointed with the result but praised his team for its fight till the end.

"The wicket played easy and the game could have gone any way. We put up a spirited fight but Jaffer's stay till the end made the difference," Chauhan said after the match.