Duleep Trophy 2024: Shams Mulani steers India A with unbeaten 88, leading a resilient fightback on day one

Bowling all-rounder Shams Mulani edged closer to his maiden first-class century by spearheading India A's impressive recovery on the opening day of their Duleep Trophy match against India D on Thursday. Mulani, unbeaten on 88 off 174 balls, formed a crucial 91-run partnership with Mumbai teammate Tanush Kotian, who scored 53 off 80. Their efforts propelled India A to 288 for eight after they had been struggling at 93 for five in the first session.

Kumar Kushagra (28 off 66) also offered crucial support to Mulani, who struck eight fours and three sixes in his unbeaten innings. The southpaw will be looking to surpass his highest score of 97 on Friday.

Although primarily a spinner, Mulani adeptly utilized his footwork against the slow bowlers, particularly against fellow left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar. His play square of the wicket against the faster bowlers was particularly impressive.

Mulani reached his half-century with a six down the ground off Saurabh Kumar and followed it up with another maximum over deep square leg off pacer Arshdeep Singh.

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Pacer Harshit Rana once again delivered a strong performance for India D, while Vidwath Kaverappa, making his first appearance of the tournament, dismissed opposition captain Mayank Agarwal (7) and Pratham Singh (7) in the morning session.

Agarwal’s struggles in the competition persisted as he was caught behind off a superb delivery from Kaverappa. Pratham Singh, on the other hand, was dismissed for a simple pull shot, getting caught at deep backward square leg.

Riyan Parag (37 off 29) showcased some brilliant strokeplay but again fell short of making a substantial innings. He was dismissed after chasing a wide delivery from Arshdeep Singh, getting caught in the slips.

Tilak Varma (10) also failed to make an impact.

Towards the end of the day, Harshit Rana dismissed Prasidh Krishna with a well-directed short ball that resulted in a catch at leg slip.

A well-set Tanush Kotian gave away his wicket by offering a straightforward catch to Arshdeep Singh at mid-on off a delivery from Saurabh Kumar in the 67th over, thus ending a crucial partnership.

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