Duleep Trophy | Mulani-Kotian alliance outshines India D's pace as India A holds strong

ByDebayan Sinha, SportsCafe Editor

09/12/2024

The bowler's hardwork to push India A to 93/5 was kept at bay due to the resilience shown by Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian lower down the order. However, the constant toil of the pacers helped India D reduce the opposition to 288/8 at Stumps on the opening day of the Duleep Trophy’s second round.

‌In the clash of the losers of Round 1, India D’s decision to field first ended up with wonders as Vidwath Kaverappa gave the perfect start with the ball. He outsmarted both the openers - Mayank Agarwal and Pratham Singh - for seven before Riyan Parag entered at No. 4. The Assam batter was unfettered in his approach and intended to counter-punch the opposition, whacking six and five fours before playing a lousy drive to gift Arshdeep Singh his wicket. The spin from Saransh Jain removed Tilak Varma with a slip catch while Harshit Rana sent Shashwat Rawat for 15 in the 25th over. Having lost half of their wickets for 93, Kumar Kushagra held the fort with Shams Mulani until Lunch with India D’s score reading 115/5 in 31 overs.

The pair attempted to form a partnership, but their efforts were halted when Arshdeep struck again, dismissing Kushagra in the 40th. However, Mulani and Tanush Kotian took charge, putting together a solid 36-run stand, pushing the score to 184/6 by the end of 50 overs. The pair hardly gave any chances to the opposition, surviving a lethal short-pitch burst from Arshdeep followed by Harshit Rana’s old ball spell. Eyeing for a much-needed breakthrough, the spin duo of Saransh Jain and Saurabh Kumar also failed with the Mumbai pair adding to the 98-run session with India A on 213/6 at Tea.

Mulani's impressive half-century in the second session set the stage, and Kotian joined him at the beginning of the final session. Together, the pair forged a remarkable partnership, frustrating India D's bowlers as they fought desperately to break the 91-run stand. The breakthrough finally came when Saurabh Kumar dismissed Kotian, leaving the scoreboard at 235/7. While Prasidh Krishna tried to hang around for a while, the constant usage of bumpers led to his departure half an hour before the call of play. Khaleel Ahmed struck a couple of fours soon and kept the opposition bowlers bay. Eventually, they strangled with 288/8 at Stumps with Mulani keeping them strong with an unbeaten 88*.

Good one from Mulani!

STUMPS DAY 1

Shams Mulani grit and determination holds India A to 288/8.

Once India A were 93/5.

-Mulani 88*(8x4s & 3x6s)

-Tanush Kotian 53(6x4s & 1x6)

-2 wickets each for Harshit Rana, Kaverappa & Arshdeep Singh

-1 wicket each for Saransh Jain & Saurabh Kumar
— Ranjit (@ranjitchamp4)

He is playing so well!

-Mulani is not out at 88(174).

-Kaverappa has been the pick of the bowlers. 14-5-30-2
— Kanishk Agarwal (@kanishkdabaav27)

Magic!

aap ishaan kee jagah mulani video kyon dikha rahe hain?
— Shut The Noise 3.0 (@KL_Rahul_001)

Great inns!

A crucial fifty from Shams Mulani helps India A recover after losing 4 wickets in the opening session.

📸-JioCinema
— shobhitrajput (@shobhitraj9465)

That was some shot!

I.C.Y.M.I

That shot by Riyan Parag 👌 👌

It was the first 6️⃣ of India A's innings

Riyan Parag hit a counter-attacking 37(29) before being dismissed by Arshdeep Singh.

— Ameer Maavia (@maavia56)

LOL! Hilarious 🤣🤣🤣

Arshdeep Singh abusing wicket keeper & first slip for not going for the catch 🤣🤣🤣, I felt Sanju Samson needed to go for it.

Similar to Ashish Nehra-MS Dhoni moment 🤣
— Vipul Ghatol 🇮🇳 (@Vipul_Espeaks)

He is just enjoying game!