The first semi-final match between Delhi and Bengal has become a completely one-sided affair with the former enjoying huge advantage.
To add more insult to injury, Gautam Gambhir decided not to walk off. After what seemed like a clear edge behind to wicket-keeper Sreevats Goswami.
After putting up a total of 286 runs, Bengal needed to bowl according to a particular plan and get Delhi’s top-order asap. But despite having experienced campaigners like Mohammed Shami and Ashok Dinda, they failed to trouble the Delhi opening. Duo of Gambhir and Kunal Chandela as they piled up a 200+ partnership.
However, Gani, who was the most disciplined of the lot, invited Gambhir for a drive on a full ball. Seemed like that ball took a thick outside edge off his blade before trickling into the hands of wicket-keeper Goswami. The wicket-keeper and the bowler were convinced that the former India opener had nicked it, but umpire Abhijeet Deshmukh was unsure about the edge.
Gambhir was also unmoved showing despite knowing that he had clearly edged it. The replays sound made it clearer and Gani was seen almost pleading the former national cricketer to walk off, but the latter was unperturbed by the same. The incident was bound to raise a lot of questions on the opener’s sportsmanship and it also made sure that the Bengal bowlers frustrated run continued for another session.