India A emerged victorious in their Duleep Trophy clash against India D, securing a commanding 186-run win. After suffering a setback in their opening match, India A bounced back with a dominant performance, setting a formidable target of 488 for their opponents.
India D’s pursuit of a draw began promisingly, with opener Abhimanyu Easwaran and Yash Dubey forging a solid partnership. However, the dismissal of Dubey and Devdutt Padikkal in quick succession halted their momentum.
Despite a valiant effort from captain Shreyas Iyer and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, India D’s batting lineup struggled to withstand the relentless bowling attack of India A. Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian proved to be the tormentors-in-chief, sharing seven wickets between them.
Mulani, who had earlier contributed a crucial 89 in India A’s first innings, claimed four wickets in the match, including the prized scalp of Iyer. Kotian, the Mumbai all-rounder, wreaked havoc in the lower order, picking up a four-wicket haul to seal the victory in the final session.
India A’s batting prowess was on full display in their first innings, with Pratham Singh and Tilak Varma amassing centuries. Their contributions laid the foundation for a commanding total of 380 for 3, which ultimately proved insurmountable for India D.
With this victory, India A remains in contention to finish atop the table heading into the final round of the Duleep Trophy. Their performance serves as a testament to their depth and resilience, as they look to secure a berth in the championship match.
