At the end of the match, which took place at the Rural Development Trust Stadium in Anantapur, India A managed to pull off a stunning victory right in front of the table toppers, earning them the 61st Duleep Trophy title.
On the last day, Mayank Agarwal‘s India A team looked outstanding with the bowl. With Kumar Kushagra (40*) and Tanush Kotian (13*) at the crease, the A quarter resumed their batting at the start of the day, having finished the previous night with a total of 270/6. The team quickly lost two wickets in the form of Avesh Khan and Kushagra a few overs into the day. Agarwal declared victory with a score of 286/8 and set a difficult goal of 350 to be met on the last day.
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Vijaykumar Vyshak set up a 36-run opening stand to give the team under his leadership a respectable start to their pursuit. At the score of 17, substitute fielder Shaik Rasheed caused the first damage for his team by brilliantly run-outing Vyshak. From that point on, it was up to captain and talented Sai Sudharsan to finish the job for their side.
The pair put up a stand of 77 runs, taking the score above 100 runs, and Aaqib Khan removed the captain at 44. After a brief seven-run cameo, Rajat Patidar, who came in next, lost his wicket and was unable to provide his partner with any sort of reliable support.
With the score of 212/7, India C lost four wickets in quick succession: Ishan Kishan (17), Abishek Porel (0), Pulkit Narang (6), and Manav Suthar (7). This was due to Sudharsan smashing the bowlers all over the park. After losing wickets consecutively, the only bright spot for the team was Sudharsan’s magnificent century, which gave them a little opportunity. After making a 111 off 206 balls, the southpaw walked off the pitch after hitting 12 boundaries.
Even though India A was getting closer to a historic victory, when injured Baba Indrajith came into the bat to give his team a little chance of winning the tie, the entire stadium stood. India C’s sole opportunity to win this event was to end up tied in this match.
Two deliveries were made to Indrajith, while Tilak Varma made an incredible catch at short fine leg. Anshul Kamboj’s wicket was secured by Prasidh Krishna, who put the finishing nail in the coffin and ensured his team would have the last laugh.
Also Read: Duleep Trophy 2024, Match 5 Day 4 Review: Highlights, player performances, and statistics from India B vs. India D
India A triumphed by a commanding 132-run margin. Tanush Kotian and Krishna were the most effective bowlers in the last innings, with three wickets apiece. For his efforts with the bat in both innings, Shashwat Rawat was named Player of the Match. With 16 wickets taken, Anshul Kamboj was named Player of the Series.
India
