Awana lifts Delhi's fortunes

The harder he works, the luckier he gets. The saying is true in Parwinder Awana's case. Three hours was all the hosts needed to outclass Baroda, and it was the medium-pacer who ensured Delhi won their first match this season.

The harder he works, the luckier he gets. The saying is true in Parwinder Awana's case. Three hours was all the hosts needed to outclass Baroda, and it was the medium-pacer who ensured Delhi won their first match this season.

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Delhi not only grabbed a bonus point, chasing just 48 on the fourth day at the Ferozshah Kotla, they moved from the second-last spot in Group 'B' to the top of the table with 10 points.

Capitalising on the early breakthroughs provided by Ashish Nehra, Awana picked up three wickets to add to his two on the previous day.

Overnight 81 for four, Baroda were dependent on the first innings centurion pair of Rakesh Solanki and skipper Pinal Shah. But the duo never looked comfortable against Nehra. In the ninth over, Nehra got Shah caught behind as Punit Bisht pouched one on the leg side. In his next over, Solanki departed.

Ambati Rayudu, who came out with a swollen thumb, tried to build a partnership with Irfan Pathan but Nehra induced him to sweep straight to Awana at deep square leg.

From here on, it was Awana's show. He first trapped Pathan leg before and then cleaned up the tail with the wickets of Abhijeet Karambelkar and Bhargav Bhatt.

Awana, who has been struggling with fitness, said he had worked hard on his fitness and speed. "I missed a few games due to fitness last year and this season, quite a few chances have done down off my bowling. I've worked hard during the off season on improving speed and strength and the results are evident," said the 25-year-old.

Delhi next play Madhya Pradesh in Indore from Tuesday.

They have made one change to the squad with medium-pacer Pradeep Sangwan returning in the place of Sunny Sehrawat.