Fri Sep 13 12:47:19 UTC 2024: ## Padikkal Stars in Duleep Trophy as India A Takes First Innings Lead
**Anantapur:** Devdutt Padikkal’s valiant 92 not out helped India D salvage some pride in their first innings against India A, but Shreyas Iyer’s team still conceded a 107-run lead after being bowled out for 290. Padikkal’s innings was a highlight of the day, with the left-hander displaying impressive strokeplay amidst senior players Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson failing to click with the bat.
In the other match, India C put up a mammoth 572 runs, with valuable contributions from the lower-order. Abhimanyu Easwaran and N Jagadeesan then led a strong counter-attack for India B, putting on over 120 runs before stumps.
India A, led by an impressive bowling performance from Harshit Rana, who took 5 wickets, bundled out India D for 290. Rana ended the innings with a hat-trick, dismissing Shams Mulani just short of his maiden First-Class century.
Meanwhile, India C, boosted by a century from Ishan Kishan, declared their innings at a formidable 572. India B, chasing a daunting total, were left with a 401-run deficit at the end of Day 2.
Mayank Agarwal, batting for India A, almost brought up a half-century in the second innings, but he was dismissed by a close lbw decision off Saurabh Kumar.
The matches continue on Day 3, with India B facing an uphill task to chase down India C’s huge total and India D needing a strong comeback to avoid a heavy defeat.
First Piper 