Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant scored important half-centuries as Delhi pulled off a close seven-run win over Gujarat in their Elite Group D match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Friday. Kohli was named Player of the Match after scoring 77 from 61 balls while Pant added 70 from 79 deliveries. Their efforts helped Delhi post 254 for 9 in 50 overs. Gujarat despite getting good starts at times were bowled out for 247 in 47.4 overs. Kohli came to the crease early after opener Priyansh Arya was dismissed and looked comfortable from the start. After defending his first ball he drove pacer Chintan Gaja for four setting the tone for his innings. While other Delhi batters struggled against disciplined bowling Kohli batted smoothly and attacked when needed. He played some classy shots including a pull for six off Gaja and a stylish flick for four off Arzan Nagwaswalla. The 37-year-old reached his fifty in just 29 balls hitting 10 fours and a six. He later brought up his 85th List A fifty before being dismissed by left-arm spinner Jayswal who had him stumped with a sharp delivery. At that stage Delhi were 108 for 4 and needed stability. Pant then took charge as captain and played a careful innings putting aside his usual attacking style to steady the team. He reached his half-century after 64 balls and only started trying creative shots later in his knock. His innings ended when he was bowled by Jayswal bringing an end to his 73-run partnership with Harsh Tyagi who scored 40. In the final moments Simarjeet Singh and Ishant Sharma added 19 valuable runs for the last wicket helping Delhi cross the 250 mark. That total proved just enough as Gujarat lost wickets at key moments and fell short in a tense finish.
