Nehra hattrick in Delhi win

India discard Virat Kohli hit an unbeaten 119, while Ashish Nehra claimed a hat-trick to help Delhi defeat Punjab by seven wickets in the Ranji one-dayer here on Tuesday.

Chasing a target of 205 in 50 overs, Delhi scored 205 for the loss of just three wickets in 38.5 overs. Kohli slammed 14 fours and three sixes and was aptly supported by Rajat Bhatia who also stayed unbeaten at 53. His innings included four hits to the fence and two sixes.

Earlier, Punjab bundled out for 204 with seven balls to spare. Udai Kaul stood amidst the ruins, slamming 107 to help Punjab reach the score. Punjab was without their famed players Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh.

Delhi’s Ashish Nehra wrecked havoc in the rivals camp, claiming a hat-trick in his four-wicket haul. His bowling analysis read 6-1-21-4. Also Pradip Sangwan claimed three crucial wickets conceding 38 runs.

With this win, Delhi has won both the matches in the tournament so far, while Punjab had to face as many losses. Punjab were earlier humbled by Haryana.

Meanwhile, in an East Zone match, Bengal defeated Assam by eight wickets.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha smashed an unbeaten 102 while former India captain Sourav Ganguly hit 64 off 62. The duo stitched together a 136-run second wicket stand on Tuesday.

Chasing 270, Bengal rode on Wriddhiman, Abhisek Banerjee (68) and Ganguly to score 272 for the loss of two wickets with 4.3 overs to spare