Shams Mulani Anchors India A with Stylish 88 as Team Stages Day-One Recovery

India A's Mulani crafts unbeaten 88 to drive day-one fightback

On the opening day of India A’s Duleep Trophy match against India D here on Thursday, bowling all-rounder Shams Mulani led his team to a stunning comeback, taking them to 288 for eight. Mulani was on the verge of scoring his first-class hundred.

India A was reduced to 93 for five inside the first session, but Mulani (88 not out off 174) and fellow Mumbai teammate Tanush Kotian (53 off 80) fashioned a 91-run stand to save the day.

Mulani received crucial assistance from Kumar Kushagra (28 off 66), who hit eight fours and three sixes in his undefeated effort. On Friday, the southpaw would be looking to beat his personal best score of 97.

Mulani, whose primary position on the team is spinner, used his feet to good advantage against the slow bowlers, particularly Saurabh Kumar, another left-armer. His play square of the wicket was particularly noticeable against the faster bowlers.

Shortly after hitting bowler Arshdeep Singh for a maximum over deep square leg, he reached his half-century with a six off Saurabh.

In the morning session, Vidwath Kaverappa, in his debut game of the competition, removed opponent captain Mayank Agarwal (7) and Pratham Singh (7). Pacer Harshit Rana was excellent once again for India D.

India Captain Agarwal’s poor performance in the competition continued when he was overtaken by a stunning shot from Kaverappa. Pratham used a standard pull stroke, which resulted in a deep rearward square leg hole.

Again, Riyan Parag (37 off 29) was guilty of not lingering in the middle long enough while displaying some beautiful strokeplay. Arshdeep set up a wide delivery to trap the batter in the slips, and Parag accepted the bait.

Even Tilak Varma (10) was unable to have an effect.

Harshit dismissed Prasidh Krishna at leg slip towards the end of the day with a well-placed short ball.

A well-set Kotian was guilty of throwing his wicket away as he offered a straight catch to Arshdeep at mid-on off Saurabh in the 67th over, ending an innings-defining partnership.

Brief scores: India A 288/8 in 82 overs (Sham Mulani 88 batting, Tanush Kotian 53; Harshit Rana 2/49, Vidhwath Kaverappa 2/30, Arshdeep Singh 2/73).