September 15, 2024

Easwaran Scores 143, But Kamboj’s Five-Wicket Haul Gives India C the Upper Hand

On day three of the match in Anantapur, India B’s strong position quickly eroded under the pressure from Anshul Kamboj. Despite an unbeaten 143 from Abhimanyu Easwaran, India B ended the day at 309 for 7, trailing by 216 runs behind India C’s first-innings total of 525. Kamboj took 5 wickets for 66 runs, significantly shifting the advantage towards India C.

The day began with India B in a promising position at 124 for 0, with Easwaran and N Jagadeesan building a solid partnership. However, Kamboj made a crucial breakthrough in the fourth over, dismissing Jagadeesan for 70. This wicket triggered a dramatic collapse as India B quickly fell to 194 for 5.

Kamboj’s dominance continued as he claimed the wickets of Musheer Khan (1), Sarfaraz Khan (16), Rinku Singh (6), and Nitish Kumar Reddy (2). Rinku was caught by Ishan Kishan, while Reddy was bowled. With just one day remaining, India C is in a strong position to secure the first-innings lead points.

Despite starting the day with an overnight score of 51, Abhimanyu Easwaran remained unbeaten throughout the day. He scored his 24th first-class century after lunch, hitting 12 fours and a six, and ended the day just seven runs short of 150. Easwaran added a 43-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Washington Sundar (13) and a 46-run stand for the seventh wicket with Sai Kishore (21).

Vijaykumar Vyshak and Mayank Markande ended these promising lower-order partnerships. Rahul Chahar (18*) then batted with Easwaran for the last eight overs of the day, during which only 65 overs were bowled.

India B’s middle order faltered, losing 5 wickets for 65 runs, which significantly reduced their chances of earning points from this fixture. If India C takes the last three wickets and claims the lead, they will secure three points and move to the top of the Duleep Trophy table. India C’s best chance would be to enforce the follow-on early on the final day and aim for an outright win to earn six points.

Centuries from Tilak and Pratham Leave India D Facing Steep Chase

India A declared their innings at 380 for 3 in the final session of the day, setting a challenging target of 488 runs for India D. India A had earlier posted scores of 290 and 380 for 3 declared, while India D was struggling with scores of 183 and 62 for 1, trailing by 426 runs.

Tilak Varma and Pratham Singh each scored centuries to solidify India A’s position. Starting the day from 115 for 1, they advanced to 380 for 3 before declaring. Pratham, who resumed on 59, achieved his second first-class century with a solid 104-run partnership with Tilak for the second wicket. Left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar eventually dismissed Pratham for 122 in the 60th over.

Tilak Varma played a crucial role, scoring an unbeaten 111, and ensured that India A maintained control. The morning session saw India A add 145 runs with only one wicket falling, as they went to lunch at 260 for 2.

India D’s Resilient Fight and Key Partnerships Set Stage for Final Day

At stumps, India D was at 62 for 1, still 426 runs behind the target. They face an uphill battle to chase down the imposing target set by India A.

After lunch, India D made a breakthrough when Riyan Parag was dismissed by Saurabh Kumar for 20. However, India D’s bowlers struggled as Shashwat Rawat joined Tilak Varma. The left-handed pair built a strong, unbeaten partnership of 116 runs for the fourth wicket. Tilak, who had already scored a half-century, continued to bat brilliantly, hitting nine fours during his 193-ball innings, including six boundaries between cover and long-off.

Rawat also played well, scoring seven fours in his unbeaten 64 off 88 balls before India D declared their innings in the final session. Unlike Tilak, Rawat focused on the leg side, hitting three fours towards long-on and one through midwicket.

In the fourth innings, Khaleel Ahmed made an early impact by dismissing opener Atharva Taide for a duck. Despite this, India D continued to make progress. Ricky Bhui, batting at No. 3, scored an unbeaten 44 off 52 balls, including eight fours and a six. His partner, Yash Dubey, was also not out on 15 off 60 balls. The pair put on 61 runs for the second wicket and remained unbeaten at stumps.