Yash Dhull produced a match-saving unbeaten century to secure a hard-fought draw for Delhi against Services in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match at the Air Force Complex Ground in Palam on Thursday — but coach Vijay Dahiya still demanded accountability after another tame result left Delhi’s campaign in trouble.
Chasing an improbable 320 from 56 overs on the final afternoon, Delhi finished on 168 for 4 from 37 overs, with Dhull unbeaten on 104 off 104 balls. The former India Under-19 captain — who led India to the Under-19 World Cup title in 2022 — struck 11 fours and two sixes, reaching his hundred off 102 balls for his maiden century of the first-class season.
Delhi had been in trouble early in the chase. Priyansh Arya fell for 15 and captain Ayush Badoni for 17, and with the target far out of reach, Delhi abandoned the chase and shut up shop. Dhull, together with Sumit Mathur — unbeaten on 11 off 51 balls — saw the side through to safety.
Services had set up the declaration earlier in the day, reaching 397 for 9 declared on the back of captain Rajat Paliwal’s second century of the match — 116, to go with his first-innings hundred — and Mohit Ahlawat’s commanding 142. Delhi had taken a first-innings lead, scoring 344 in reply to Services’ 266, and that advantage earned them three points from the draw, with Services taking one.
The result leaves Delhi with seven points from four matches, and Dahiya made no attempt to hide his frustration, calling for accountability from a side whose home matches have both ended in draws despite taking the early advantage. Both of Delhi’s home games have finished without a result, and the capital side now face an uphill battle to reach the knockouts.
The match was the last red-ball fixture of the first leg of the season, with domestic cricket now pausing for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Twenty20 tournament. Delhi will hope the break allows them to regroup before the Ranji Trophy resumes.
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