Batting first, Odisha scored 225 for nine in 50 overs with Natraj Behera (50) and Biplab Samantray (47) being the only notable run-getters. In reply, Delhi scored the required runs in 46.3 overs.
Skipper Gautam Gambhir and middle-order batsman Milind Kumar hit patient half-centuries as Delhi beat Odisha by five wickets in a group C encounter of the Vijay Hazare Trophy at New Delhi on Sunday.
Batting first, Odisha scored 225 for nine in 50 overs with Natraj Behera (50) and Biplab Samantray (47) being the only notable run-getters. In reply, Delhi scored the required runs in 46.3 overs.
Gambhir started the chase with 67 off 82 balls while Milind completed with an unbeaten 89-ball-62. Left-hander Vaibhav Rawal also chipped in with a brisk 40 off 48 balls. The highlight of Delhi's chase was a 72-run stand between Milind and Rawal. While Gambhir's innings had seven boundaries but the veteran India discard was involved in an useful 59-run stand for the second wicket with Dhruv Shorey (25).
Nitish Rana (0) was out cheaply as Delhi were 88 for three at one stage. But Milind's presence was a calming influence as he added 41 runs with Gambhir for the fourth wicket after which the hme team captain was run-out.
However Rawal-Milind combination carried the team to the doorstep of victory before left-hander Rawal was caught by Rajesh Dhuper off Alok Sahoo's bowling.
Earlier, left-arm spinners Manan Sharma (3/47 in 10 overs) and Pawan Negi (2/45 in 9 overs) shared five wickets among them in 19 overs giving away only 92 runs as Odisha could not get a sizeable total on board.
Brief Scores: Odisha 225/9 in 50 overs (Natraj Behera 50, Manan Sharma 3/47)
Delhi 228/5 (Gautam Gambhir 67, Milind Kumar 62 no, Vaibhav Rawal 40). Delhi won by 5 wickets.
Points: Delhi 4; Odisha 0.
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