Tilak Varma and Pratham's record-breaking hundreds lead India A to a commanding lead in Duleep Trophy 2024

Tilak Varma and Pratham Singh scored centuries to propel India A to a dominant position against India D after the third day of their Duleep Trophy match on Saturday.

Varma bolstered his chances of remaining in the national team’s spotlight with an unbeaten 111 off 193 balls (9 fours), while Pratham scored a notable 122 from 189 balls (12 fours, 1 six) as India A declared their second innings at 380 for three. This declaration gave India A a commanding lead of 487 runs.

In response, India D has made 62 runs for the loss of Atharva Taide, with Ricky Bhui (44) and Yash Dubey (15) currently at the crease.

Pratham, who resumed his innings on 59, continued his fluent batting, reaching his century in 149 balls during the first session. However, the 32-year-old Railways batter was dismissed by left-arm spinner Saurabh.

Kumar near the end of the session. Pratham had added 104 runs for the second wicket with Varma.

Despite being previously hailed by Rohit Sharma as India’s next all-format player, Varma maintained his composure and remained unbeaten on 60, having reached his fifty off 96 balls. India A went to lunch at a solid 260 for two, having started the day from 115 for one.

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However, shortly after the resumption, India A lost Riyan Parag for 20. Varma then found a reliable partner in Shashwat Rawat, who scored 64 not out from 88 balls (7 fours). The pair added 116 runs for the fourth wicket, putting India A in complete control.

Varma completed his fifth First-Class century with a late cut for two runs off off-spinner Saransh Jain, reaching the milestone in 177 balls. India A went to tea at 370 for three and batted for about 15 minutes into the final session before declaring the innings closed.

Although India D lost opener Taide in the third over to pacer Khaleel Ahmed, Dubey and Bhui managed to see off the rest of the day without further losses, setting the stage for the final day of the match.

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