September 14, 2024

Suthar Shines with All-Round Performance as India C Posts Impressive Total

Abhimanyu Easwaran and N Jagadeesan gave India B a strong start after India C posted a huge first-innings score of 525 in Anantapur. India B ended the day at 124 for 0, with Jagadeesan unbeaten on 67 and Abhimanyu on 51, trailing by 401 runs.

Manav Suthar showcased his all-round abilities for India C, contributing a crucial 82 after Ishan Kishan’s century. Suthar built on Kishan’s innings before falling short of his first-class best of 96, helping India C to their imposing total.

Chahar and Mukesh Shine with Four-Wicket Hauls for India B

India C, resuming at 357 for 5, posted a massive total of 525, thanks to key contributions from Ishan Kishan (111) and Manav Suthar (82). Ruturaj Gaikwad and B Indrajith added valuable half-centuries, while Anshul Kamboj’s quick 38 off 27 balls boosted the total further during his 56-run partnership with Suthar.

For India B, Rahul Chahar stood out with figures of 4 for 73, while Mukesh Kumar also impressed with a four-wicket haul, including the crucial dismissal of Gaikwad early in the day. Despite the challenging target, India B’s bowlers managed to limit further damage.

In response, India B’s openers, Abhimanyu Easwaran and N Jagadeesan, provided a strong reply, ending the day at 124 for 0. Abhimanyu, looking to bounce back after a disappointing previous match, played a patient innings, facing 145 balls for his 51*, while Jagadeesan, stepping in for Rishabh Pant, scored an unbeaten 67*. Both will aim to build on their innings on day three.

Khaleel and Padikkal Impress, While Samson and Iyer Struggle

India A extended their lead after bowling out India D for just 183 runs. With a strong response of 290 and 115 for 1, India A now leads by 222 runs, thanks to Mayank Agarwal’s 56 and Pratham Singh’s unbeaten 59*. Devdutt Padikkal top-scored for India D with 92, but his efforts couldn’t prevent a collapse, as Khaleel Ahmed (3-39) and Aaqib (3-41) led the bowling attack.

Khaleel Ahmed, whose India career has seen limited opportunities, made a strong case for a comeback. After a solid Indian Premier League season earned him a white-ball return in Zimbabwe, Khaleel is gradually finding his rhythm in first-class cricket. In just his 14th first-class game, he built on his five-wicket haul from the previous round, taking three more wickets in the first innings to give India A the upper hand.

With a commanding lead, India A looks set to control the game, while Khaleel’s impressive form could open more doors for him in the Indian squad. His performance here strengthens his case for a potential Test call-up, especially after Yash Dayal’s rise to the Test squad.

India A quickly wrapped up India C’s innings, adding just two runs to their overnight total of 288 for 8 before bowling out their opponents for 183. Khaleel Ahmed delivered an outstanding spell of swing and seam bowling, finishing with figures of 3 for 39. Despite bowling just eight overs, Khaleel consistently troubled the batters with his late movement and bounce.

Khaleel struck early, dismissing Atharva Taide with a sharp inswinger that the batter misjudged and left alone, losing his wicket off the third ball of the innings. He then removed Shreyas Iyer for a seven-ball duck in his second over. Iyer, unsettled by Khaleel’s away movement and a well-directed short ball, eventually lobbed a full delivery to mid-on, unable to fully commit to the shot after being pinned to the crease.

Aaqib Dismisses Samson, Claims Three Wickets in Impressive Spell

Khaleel Ahmed’s third wicket was a masterclass in seam bowling, reminiscent of Zaheer Khan’s signature deliveries. Bowling from around the stumps, Khaleel got one to jag back sharply, trapping Ricky Bhui lbw as he overbalanced. His fiery spell was complemented by Aaqib Khan, a young pacer from Uttar Pradesh. Although not the fastest bowler, Aaqib impressed with his control and subtle movement off the pitch, troubling the batters throughout. In just his 12th first-class match, Aaqib dismissed Sanju Samson for six, as the batter mistimed a pull shot to mid-on, finishing with figures of 3 for 41.

For India D, Devdutt Padikkal was the lone bright spot with the bat. He crafted a fluent 92, filled with elegant cover drives and strong back-foot play. Padikkal especially stood out against Prasidh Krishna, who bowled far better than his figures of 11-4-30-1 indicated. However, Prasidh had the last laugh, removing Padikkal with a delivery that swung away and took the edge through to the wicketkeeper. Despite wickets tumbling around him, Padikkal’s 92 came off just 124 balls, featuring 15 boundaries.

India A, with a 107-run lead, looked to extend their advantage. Openers Mayank Agarwal and Pratham Singh took full advantage of a tiring India D bowling attack, compiling confident half-centuries. Agarwal, in particular, played with authority, guiding India A to a strong position as the day progressed.

However, Agarwal’s innings ended on a disappointing note when he tamely chipped a return catch to Shreyas Iyer off an innocuous delivery late in the day. Despite the setback, India A remained in firm control, with Pratham Singh unbeaten as they closed out the day’s play.