India A secured the Duleep Trophy 2024 title with a convincing 132-run victory over India C in the final round. Tanush Kotian and Prasidh Krishna shared six wickets between them for India A, but Sai Sudharsan's impressive century was not enough for India C to chase down the target of 350 runs.
India A secure Duleep Trophy title
Heading into the final round, India A were trailing India C by three points. However, they showcased remarkable determination and dominated the match from the start. Their strong performance throughout the competition earned them a well-deserved championship.
India A's victory in the final round propelled them to the top of the points table with a total of 12 points from three matches. This secured their position as the Duleep Trophy champions. Chasing 350 runs on the final day, India C were bowled out for 217 in 81.5 overs. Prasidh Krishna's 3/50 and Tanush Kotian's crucial wickets contributed to India C's collapse. The match was intriguingly poised at tea, with India C reaching 169/3 and Sai Sudharsan and Ishan Kishan looking to chase down the remaining 182 runs in the final session of approximately 30 overs.
Tanush Kotian played a crucial role in India A's victory, dismissing Ishan Kishan (17), Abhishek Porel (0), and Pulkit Narang (6) in quick succession. Earlier in the chase, Ruturaj Gaikwad was dismissed for 44 by Aaquib Khan, and Vijaykumar Vyshak was run out for 17. Sai Sudharsan's impressive century (111 from 206 balls) was not enough for India C, as he lacked support from the other end.
India C's resistance finally came to an end in the 78th over when Prasidh Krishna dismissed Sai Sudharsan. Aaqib Khan contributed to India A's victory by dismissing Rajat Patidar for a brief stay at the crease. Shams Mulani, Kotian's Mumbai teammate, also played a crucial role by removing Manav Suthar.
Prasidh Krishna returned to the bowling attack in the final stages of the match and claimed two more wickets, dismissing Anshul Kamboj and Baba Indrajith for ducks. This secured a significant victory for India A.
Earlier in the day, India A declared their innings at 286/6. This decision came after a brief period of batting, during which Riyan Parag (73) and Shashwat Rawat (53) scored fifties, and wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra contributed a valuable 42 runs. This declaration extended India A's overall lead to 349 runs.
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