Saurashtra played themselves into a winning position against Delhi after taking a huge 204 runs first innings lead and then leaving the visitors tottering at 84 for 4 on day three of the Ranji Trophy Elite Division cricket match in Rajkot on Wednesday.
Saurashtra bundled out Delhi for 288 in their first innings and enforced the follow on which gave them instant results as Delhi's top order crumbled under pressure.
With six wickets remaining, Delhi still needs 120 runs to avoid an innings defeat. Skipper Mithun Manhas was batting on 4 with Virat Kohi (2) when stumps were drawn for the day.
Earlier, resuming at their overnight score of 61 for 3, Delhi lost their remaining seven wickets at regular intervals and folded up adding 227 runs.
Opener Shikhar Dhawan and Rajat Bhatia put some resistance on the turning track. Dhawan made 80 off 99 ballswhich contained 12 fours.
Bhatia, who added 79 runs with paceman Ashish Nehra 43 (74 b, 4x4, 2x6), contributed 71 off 119 ball with eight fours and one six.
Saurashtra's spin trio of Rakesh Dhruv (4-81), Sitanshu Kotak (2-15) and Ravindra Jadeja (2-80) took full advantage of the turning track and caused Delhi's downfall.
Following on, Delhi lost Akash Chopra (6) bowled by Sandip Jobanputra. Dhawan (22), Puneet Bisht (27) and Mayank Tehlan (18) went without much resistance.
Skipper Manhas (4) and Virat Kohli (2) were at the crease and would have to put up a strong fight to thwart defeat.
Brief score: Saurashtra first innings 492; Delhi 288 and 84 for 4.
