Not a single ball was bowled on Day 3 of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group C clash between Delhi and Jharkhand in Ranchi after persistent rain, triggered by Cyclone Arnab, left the outfield wet at JSCA International Stadium Complex on Wednesday.The weather interruption proved a major setback for Delhi, who had put themselves in a commanding position after posting a massive 515/5 decl., powered by captain Ayush Badoni’s second successive double century. Hosts Jharkhand, in reply, were struggling at 131/4 at stumps on Day 2, still trailing Delhi by 384 runs.However, with an entire day’s play lost, Delhi’s chances of pushing for an outright victory — which could be their first this season — have been significantly reduced. The visitors now face a race against time on the final day if conditions improve while the home side will be hoping to make most of the situation to escape with a draw and deny Delhi full points.Should play be possible on Day 4, Delhi’s immediate target will be to secure a first-innings lead and collect three points at least. If further weather disruption prevents the completion of Jharkhand’s first innings, both teams will have to settle for a point each.With the contest finely poised on the weather front rather than the cricket field, all eyes will be on conditions in Ranchi ahead of the final day’s play.
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