Shubman Gill-led India A lost the opener clash of the Duleep Trophy 2024 against India B by 76 runs. Abhimanyu Easwaran-led India B where set a target of 275 runs for the Shubman Gill-led side, in response to that Gill's team was all out for 198 runs in the last innings. KL Rahul and Akashdeep fought at the crease to save India A from defeat, but it went in vain at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Rahul batted out 180 minutes 121 balls and milked 42 runs for the seventh wicket with Kuldeep Yadav to delay the inevitable.
The match turned decisively after Tea when Mukesh Kumar secured a key breakthrough by dismissing Rahul, putting India A's chances in jeopardy. Although Akash Deep offered some late excitement with a few powerful shots, his brief cameo wasn't enough to change the outcome. India A ultimately ran out of steam, allowing India B to conclude the match with an hour to spare.
Earlier in the day, India A's run chase started promisingly as Riyan Parag launched an aggressive assault, scoring 31 off just 18 balls. However, his impressive innings was cut short when he fell to a superb delivery from Yash Dayal, who was the standout bowler with the new ball. Dayal's exceptional spell dismantled India A's top order, dismissing Mayank Agarwal, Parag, and Dhruv Jurel within the first 15 overs.
India B's comprehensive victory not only earned them six points but also set a strong tone for their Duleep Trophy campaign. Their bowlers, spearheaded by Dayal, demonstrated both discipline and skill in defending a competitive target, leading India B to a decisive win.
Musheer Khan who scored 181 runs has been awarded 'Player of the Match' for his stellar performance in the opener clash of the Duleep Trophy 2024.
Earlier, resuming from their overnight score of 150 for six India B could only 34 runs more to the total before getting bundled out. Pacer Akash, whom Sarfaraz Khan carted around for five fours in a row the previous day, found his mojo to add the scalps of Washington Sundar and Saini to complete a five-wicket haul (5/56).
The spell will keep his name floating among the contenders when the selectors sit together soon to pick up the squad for a two-match Test series against Bangladesh.
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