PUNE: Maharashtra executed a near perfect all-round performance to thump a handicapped Delhi by nine wickets in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group 'B' cricket match here on Friday.
After dismissing Delhi for 310 in their second innings, the hosts chased down the target of 178 with discipline and style well before the start of the mandatory overs on the fourth and final day.
Pavan Shah (87 not out) brought up the winning runs with an elegant drive to long off fence off part-time bowler Himmat Singh.
Debutant Kaushal Tambe, dismissed for nought in the first innings, ensured his maiden first-class appearance would be remembered for the right reasons with a plucky 64 not out.
The only blemish on the day for the home team was the dismissal of Siddhesh Veer (18), another debutant, as he played a wild heave and completely missed the line against off-spinner all-rounder Lalit Yadav.
It was Maharashtra's first ever outright victory against Delhi in 14 meetings -- the visitors having won six of the previous clashes.
Delhi were already suffering from the setback of Ishant Sharma and the in-form Mayank Yadav not being able to bowl due to a back strain and hamstring injury, respectively.
In Maharashtra's second innings, Simarjeet Singh joined the injury list after bowling just two overs with an ankle niggle.
Delhi coach Abhay Sharma confirmed both Sharma and Mayank would fly back home and miss the next match in Guwahati.
"These injuries are happening because we have not had proper preparation. The team has not had a single practice session for the longer format before the match," Sharma said.
"If we had pushed (Simarjeet), we could have lost him too. And this was a game of fast bowlers.
"Maharashtra players looked fitter and were the better athletes."
But, then, Maharashtra were also missing three of their key players due to injuries and had four players making their first-class debut.
Contributions came from individuals in all departments but the key was the record double century partnership on Day 2 for the eighth wicket between Azim Kazi and Ashay Palkar, who was declared man of the match for his 100 in the first innings and a match haul of 4-127.
