NEW DELHI: Pacer Avesh Khan shone brightly with an unbeaten half-century before claiming the vital wicket of Ishan Kishan. This performance helped India A pose a formidable challenge against India C on the second day of the Duleep Trophy final round match in Anantapur.
The 27-year-old Avesh, with experience in eight ODIs and 23 T20Is for India, smashed five fours and four sixes in his 68-ball innings, remaining unbeaten on 51.His efforts helped India A reach a total of 297 while batting at No. 9.
In their reply, India C faced a top-order collapse, courtesy of young pacer Aaqib Khan (3/43) and Avesh (1/52). The duo tore apart India C’s batting lineup.
Aaqib, a 20-year-old from Uttar Pradesh, made a significant impact by dismissing Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rajat Patidar in consecutive deliveries.
By the end of the day, India C were reeling at 216 for 7, trailing India A by 81 runs and struggling to secure a first-innings lead in this four-day encounter.
India C currently tops the points table with 9 points, followed by India B with 7, and India A with 6 points. The top team from this round will claim the Duleep Trophy title.
Shashwat Rawat was dismissed for 124 (off 250 balls) after adding just two runs to his overnight score.
A crucial 42-run partnership between Avesh and Prasidh Krishna (34 off 39 balls) pushed India A forward as the tailenders added vital runs. Avesh completed his second first-class half-century, boosting the team’s total.
Vyshak Vijaykumar was the standout bowler for India C, taking 4/51. Anshul Kamboj (3/49) and Gaurav Yadav (2/57) provided valuable support with the ball.
India C’s batting faltered against the fierce pace of Aaqib, who disrupted their top order by taking the crucial wickets of captain Gaikwad (17) and Rajat Patidar. Patidar fell for a golden duck as a sharp, low delivery shattered his off-stump.
Avesh further compounded India C’s woes by bowling out the dangerous Ishan Kishan (5), leaving them struggling at 39/3. Shortly after, Sai Sudharsan (17) became Aaqib’s third victim.
Abhishek steadied the innings by adding 51 crucial runs in partnership with Baba Indrajith, who retired hurt after scoring 34.
Porel’s resistance was cut short by Shams Mulani (2/30), who took two wickets in four balls, leaving India C teetering at 165/6.
Pulkit Narang (35 not out off 93) and Vijaykumar Vyshak (14 not out off 25) managed to stabilize the innings and carry their team to 216/7 at stumps. They are still trailing by 81 runs with three wickets in hand.
As both teams fight hard, the third day promises an intriguing contest, with India A looking to extend their advantage while India C aims to close the run gap.
Brief Scores:
India A: 297 in 90.5 overs (Shashwat Rawat 124, Avesh Khan 51 not out, Shams Mulani 44, Prasidh Krishna 34; Vijaykumar Vyshak 4/51, Anshul Kamboj 3/49, Gaurav Yadav 2/57) vs India C 216/7 in 64 overs (Abhishek Porel 82, Pulkit Narang 35 batting; Aaqib Khan 3/43, Shams Mulani 2/30).
The 27-year-old Avesh, with experience in eight ODIs and 23 T20Is for India, smashed five fours and four sixes in his 68-ball innings, remaining unbeaten on 51.His efforts helped India A reach a total of 297 while batting at No. 9.
In their reply, India C faced a top-order collapse, courtesy of young pacer Aaqib Khan (3/43) and Avesh (1/52). The duo tore apart India C’s batting lineup.
Aaqib, a 20-year-old from Uttar Pradesh, made a significant impact by dismissing Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rajat Patidar in consecutive deliveries.
By the end of the day, India C were reeling at 216 for 7, trailing India A by 81 runs and struggling to secure a first-innings lead in this four-day encounter.
India C currently tops the points table with 9 points, followed by India B with 7, and India A with 6 points. The top team from this round will claim the Duleep Trophy title.
Shashwat Rawat was dismissed for 124 (off 250 balls) after adding just two runs to his overnight score.
A crucial 42-run partnership between Avesh and Prasidh Krishna (34 off 39 balls) pushed India A forward as the tailenders added vital runs. Avesh completed his second first-class half-century, boosting the team’s total.
Vyshak Vijaykumar was the standout bowler for India C, taking 4/51. Anshul Kamboj (3/49) and Gaurav Yadav (2/57) provided valuable support with the ball.
India C’s batting faltered against the fierce pace of Aaqib, who disrupted their top order by taking the crucial wickets of captain Gaikwad (17) and Rajat Patidar. Patidar fell for a golden duck as a sharp, low delivery shattered his off-stump.
Avesh further compounded India C’s woes by bowling out the dangerous Ishan Kishan (5), leaving them struggling at 39/3. Shortly after, Sai Sudharsan (17) became Aaqib’s third victim.
Abhishek steadied the innings by adding 51 crucial runs in partnership with Baba Indrajith, who retired hurt after scoring 34.
Porel’s resistance was cut short by Shams Mulani (2/30), who took two wickets in four balls, leaving India C teetering at 165/6.
Pulkit Narang (35 not out off 93) and Vijaykumar Vyshak (14 not out off 25) managed to stabilize the innings and carry their team to 216/7 at stumps. They are still trailing by 81 runs with three wickets in hand.
As both teams fight hard, the third day promises an intriguing contest, with India A looking to extend their advantage while India C aims to close the run gap.
Brief Scores:
India A: 297 in 90.5 overs (Shashwat Rawat 124, Avesh Khan 51 not out, Shams Mulani 44, Prasidh Krishna 34; Vijaykumar Vyshak 4/51, Anshul Kamboj 3/49, Gaurav Yadav 2/57) vs India C 216/7 in 64 overs (Abhishek Porel 82, Pulkit Narang 35 batting; Aaqib Khan 3/43, Shams Mulani 2/30).
