On the final day of their Duleep Trophy clash, Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian delivered standout performances with the ball, securing a comprehensive 186-run victory for India A over India D. The win keeps India A's title hopes alive as they move into third place in the standings with six points. Their next challenge will be against table-toppers India C in their final fixture starting Thursday.
Starting the final day with the need to take 9 wickets, India A faced a challenging situation, particularly trying to break the overnight partnership between Yash Dubey and Ricky Bhui. Bhui, who had played aggressively on the previous day, continued to score freely in the morning session. However, a stroke of luck for India A came when Dubey was run out after the ball ricocheted off his bat and hit the stumps, giving India A the breakthrough they needed.
Bhui played a lone hand for India D, scoring a determined 113. Despite his efforts, support from other batsmen was lacking, with Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson contributing only brief innings. India D remains the only team in the tournament yet to secure a point.
Mulani and Kotian exploited the conditions effectively. Mulani's consistent line and Kotian's bounce created regular opportunities for India A. Iyer, who had struggled in the first innings, looked promising with boundaries but fell victim to a well-executed delivery from Mulani. Samson also made an impact with a few aggressive shots but was eventually dismissed by Mulani.
Bhui's century was a highlight for India D, as he crafted his innings carefully. However, Kotian's persistent effort paid off as he removed Bhui, Saransh Jain, and Saurabh Kumar in a long spell, sealing the match for India A.
In the other match, India C played it safe against India B after taking a substantial lead. India B was dismissed for 322, with captain Abhimanyu Easwaran scoring a resilient 157*. India C, after declaring their second innings at 128/4, settled for a draw with India B.
Scores: India A 290 & 380/3 declared beat India D 183 & 301 (Ricky Bhui 113, Shreyas Iyer 41, Sanju Samson 40; Tanush Kotian 4/73, Shams Mulani 3/117) by 186 runs, India C drew with India B 332 (Abhimanyu Easwaran 157*, Narayan Jagadeesan 70; Anshul Kamboj 8/69)