Gautam Gambhir was the centre of attraction among the 500-odd crowd on Sunday (Reuters Photo) HIGHLIGHTS Gambhir had a perfect swansong as he scored his 43rd and final first-class century on Day 3 Delhi were bowled out for 433 in response to Andhra's first innings score of 380 Andhra were all out for 130 in their second innings The Group B Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Andhra, which is also the last match of veteran batsman Gautam Gambhir, ended in a dull draw at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium here on Sunday.
Resuming the day at 409/7 in their first innings, Delhi were bowled out for 433 in response to Andhra's first innings score of 380, which gave them a 53-run lead. Gambhir, who was the centre of attraction among the 500-odd crowd on Sunday, scored 112.
In reply, Andhra were all out for 130 in their second innings, thanks to Shivank Vashisht who picked up five wickets for 49 runs. Vikas Mishra scalped three wickets.
Needing 77 runs to win, Delhi batters, especially Anuj Rawat were right on the money as he slammed 23 runs in 17 balls. Lalit Yadav tried to continue the momentum after Rawat's dismissal but bad light stopped the play when just 36 runs were needed to win.
Earlier, Gambhir had a perfect swansong as he scored his 43rd and final first-class century with Delhi ensuring at least three points by virtue of first innings lead.
The match was all about Gambhir after he announced his retirement before the start of the game and announced Delhi's Ranji Trophy encounter against Andhra as his final cricketing match.
"The next Ranji Trophy game against Andhra will be my last day in the Sun. It is all coming to an end from where it started at Feroz Shah Kotla. I am big one on loyalty. I am glad that I could finish with teams that I started my journey with. In this case ending with both Delhi Daredevils and Delhi domestic side has given me immense satisfaction.
As a batsman I have always valued timing. I know the time is just right. I am sure it's sweet as well. Good bye and good luck," Gambhir said.
Gambhir made sure his farewell was memorable for the 500-odd spectators, who were present at the Feroz Shah Kotla to cheer every run that he scored.
A streaky boundary through the slips took him to 98 and then he square drove pacer Bandaru Ayappa to scamper home for a double to complete one of his more emotionally exhausting hundreds.
While the 100-odd youngsters sporting "Miss you Gauti' T-shirts were overwhelmed with emotion, the former India opener was muted in his celebrations as he didn't even bother to open his helmet.
He added 113 runs for the second wicket with skipper Dhruv Shorey (98) before India A keeper Kona Bharat finally held onto an edge with off-spinner Shoaib Mohammed Khan being the bowler.
It wasn't a smooth innings but no one cared for the details like 10 boundaries and 185 balls as he got a generous applause.
The Delhi players also gave a him a 'Guard of Honour', the spectators gave a standing ovation and the entire Andhra team came up to congratulate him.
(With IANS inputs)
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