It's tough and testing conditions that separate the men from the boys. Delhi, with some good bowling and generous assistance from the wicket, posed a stern challenge to Karnataka, and the man defying them was none other than Rahul Dravid.
Batsmen from both the teams have struggled for survival in the morning sessions on this track, but Dravid looked his best in the adverse situation. He was batting well on Tuesday evening as well, but the difference between him and others showed quite clearly on Wednesday morning. Karnataka's batsmen started falling the way Delhi succumbed the day before, but Dravid stood his ground to score a fine 78 to help his team finish with a handy 104-run first-innings lead.
Delhi batsmen probably also picked up a few lessons from his class act, and put up an improved performance in the second innings to storm back into the match from an almost hopeless situation. At the end of the second day Delhi were 93 for 2, leaving themselves with an even chance in the match. And if they see off the morning session tomorrow without much damage, they could actually give themselves a fair chance for a surprise win.
Much of what they do tomorrow would depend on their undefeated pair of Shikhar Dhawan and Rajat Bhatia. Dhawan, in particular, is looking really good. The opener, unlike in the first innings, mixed aggression with caution and played some delectable drives to keep bowlers from building up pressure.
{{/usCountry}}Much of what they do tomorrow would depend on their undefeated pair of Shikhar Dhawan and Rajat Bhatia. Dhawan, in particular, is looking really good. The opener, unlike in the first innings, mixed aggression with caution and played some delectable drives to keep bowlers from building up pressure.
{{/usCountry}}Delhi, however, would be thankful to their bowlers for finding themselves in contention. Spearheaded by Sumit Narwal, Delhi made it tough for the batsmen to score off them.