Jaffer's 170 send Mumbai into semi-final

New Delhi, Mar 18 (UNI) World Cup-discard Wasim Jaffer smashed an unbeaten 170 to script, almost single-handedly, Mumbai's six-wicket win over Delhi and put his team in the semifinal of All India Inter-state one-day cricket tournament at Feroze Shah Kotla stadium here today.

Although Gautam Gambhir (105) powered Delhi to 297 for five in 50 overs, Jaffer's 161-ball blitzkrieg, studded with 18 boudaries, helped the visitors chase the target with an over to spare.

It was after Delhi won the toss and decided to bat. Gambir and Akash Chopra gave the team a wonderful start adding 183 runs in 31.4 overs for the first wicket. Gambhir played a characteristic knock taking only 96 balls for his 105 (11x4, 1x6).

Chopra played second fiddle and made 74 in 98 deliveries. Useful score by Mithun Minhas (47) and Shikhar Dhawan helped Delhi post a formidable target.

Avishkar Salve took two wickets for 64 while Romesh Powar and Rajat Bhatia scalped one apiece.

Unfazed by a mammoth target, Mumbai were off to a flier with Jaffer and A Rahane (61) adding 171 runs for the first wicket in just 173 deliveries.

Although Jaffer was castled at 31 by pacer Ishan Sharma but the umpire adjuded it a no ball.

There was no looking back and the Mumbaikar belted the Delhi attack all over the park to guide his team to an easy win.

UNI