Musheer Khan’s scintillating 181-run knock in the first innings propelled India B to a 76-run victory over India A in the opening round of the Duleep Trophy at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The all-rounder’s gritty performance laid the foundation for India B’s triumph.
Khan, who had impressed in the Ranji Trophy, seized the opportunity to showcase his talent in the Duleep Trophy. On the opening day, he displayed remarkable temperament and determination, scoring a magnificent 181 runs off 373 deliveries. His innings, which included 16 fours and five sixes, lifted India B from a precarious 94/7 to a respectable 321 in the first innings.
This total proved crucial, giving India B a 90-run lead that ultimately proved decisive. Khan’s partnership with Navdeep Saini was particularly noteworthy, with the all-rounder providing constant encouragement from the non-striker’s end.
“My preparation was really good with my father. I had done well in Ranji so I knew I could get an opportunity here. Every ball I was encouraging him from the non-striker’s end to play it out,” said Khan after being named Player of the Match.
India B skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran expressed his delight at his team’s victory, which earned them six points in the Duleep Trophy. “We were looking to bowl first. Coming back from 90/7 to win the game is special. To be on the winning side is really good,” he said.
In contrast, India A captain Shubman Gill lamented his team’s mistakes in terms of batting and bowling strategies. “Musheer and Saini played really well. Seeing that there’s not much happening from the wicket, we could’ve gone to the bouncer option earlier to Saini,” he said.
“But out there we went for the option we felt was the best. The intensity with which we bowled in the second innings was commendable. Until about lunch time we were talking that if we get a 100-run partnership we could’ve got the target,” Gill added.
India A will now face India D, while India B will take on India C in Anantpur from September 12.
