September 16, 2024

Mulani and Kotian Shine with Seven Wickets in India A’s Dominant Victory

India A remains firmly in contention to finish at the top of the table as they head into the final round of the 2024-25 Duleep Trophy. In an impressive comeback, they secured a commanding 186-run victory over India D, led by Shreyas Iyer, after defeating them in their opening match.

In this encounter, India A first posted scores of 290 and 380 for 3. Key contributions came from Pratham, who dazzled with a well-crafted 122 runs, and Tilak, who supported with a solid 111. Their batting performances helped India A set a formidable total.

In response, India D struggled against a disciplined bowling attack, managing scores of 183 and 301. Bhui stood out for India D, scoring a resilient 113, while Padikkal added a valuable 92. Despite their efforts, India D was set a daunting target of 488 runs and was under pressure throughout their innings.

Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian, the bowling duo, played pivotal roles in India A’s success, claiming seven wickets. Mulani was particularly impactful, earning the Player of the Match award for his four wickets and crucial first-innings score of 89. His all-round performance was instrumental in laying the groundwork for India A’s convincing victory, allowing them to remain in the hunt for the top position in the tournament as they prepare for the final round.

Partnership Highlights: Bhui and Yash Dubey build a crucial 100-run partnership.

Resuming their innings at 62 for 1, Bhui took charge and scored his 18th first-class century. However, the other batters struggled to make significant contributions. Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson, who both missed out in the first innings, scored 41 and 40 runs, respectively.

Bhui and Yash Dubey formed a strong partnership, adding 100 runs for the second wicket, which gave India D a fighting chance to secure a draw. However, the momentum shifted when Dubey was run out, and Devdutt Padikkal fell for just 1 run, dismissed by Shams Mulani.

Iyer and Samson played with flair, refusing to hold back in their approach. Unfortunately, Iyer became Mulani’s second wicket when he was bowled, which opened the floodgates for Tanush Kotian. Kotian capitalized on the situation, taking four wickets as he tore through the lower order, sealing the victory for India A in the final session.

India A also benefited from solid performances by 32-year-old Pratham Singh and Tilak Varma, who scored centuries that helped set up a declaration late on the third day. Their contributions were crucial in establishing a solid position for India A in the match.

Kamboj’s Eight-Wicket Haul and Gaikwad’s Fifty Secure Draw for India C

Anshul Kamboj delivered one of the most impactful performances of his young first-class career, taking 8 wickets for 69 runs. In the match between India C and India B, India C scored 525 runs, led by Ishan Kishan’s 111, Suthar’s 82, and Indrajith’s 78. India B replied with 332 runs, with Abhimanyu Easwaran shining with an unbeaten 157. The match ultimately ended in a draw.

On a lackluster fourth day in Anantapur, India B started the day at 309 for 7 but was bowled out for 332, with Kamboj claiming all three remaining wickets. Despite India B’s efforts, they trailed by 193 runs early on the final day.

At this point, only India C could pursue a victory. Still, they opted to consolidate their first-innings lead instead. They finished the day at 128 for 4 after 37 overs, leading both captains to agree to a handshake, bringing the match to a tame conclusion. Ruturaj Gaikwad also made an impression, scoring his second half-century of the game, contributing to India C’s solid performance.

Kamboj’s Milestone Performance Highlights Tough Match for India C

Anshul Kamboj delivered one of the most impressive performances of his early first-class career during his 15th match, taking 8 wickets for 69 runs. This marked a significant milestone for him, as he had never taken more than three wickets in a single inning. Kamboj’s eight-for ranks as the second-best figure by a fast bowler in Duleep Trophy history, just behind Debasis Mohanty’s record of 10 for 46.

In the match, India C lost B Sai Sudharsan early when Mukesh Kumar bowled him out for 11 runs. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rajat Patidar then built a solid partnership, adding 96 runs for the second wicket. Patidar scored 42, following his first-innings total of 40, before being dismissed by Musheer Khan’s left-arm spin.

Rahul Chahar, the leg-spinner, quickly followed up by dismissing first-innings centurion Ishan Kishan for just 1 run and then taking Gaikwad’s wicket in his next over. Unfortunately for India C, pacer Sandeep Warrier suffered a leg injury and had to leave the field after just 1.1 overs.

Manav Suthar, who had a match-winning seven-wicket haul in the previous game, struggled in this match and finished with figures of 0 for 85 in 33 overs. Musheer, named Player of the Match last week for his 181, managed only 1 run. At the same time, Sarfaraz Khan, who was called up to play before joining the Indian Test squad in Chennai, contributed 16 runs.