Fri Sep 20 09:25:15 UTC 2024: ## Samson’s Blitz Propels India D to 306/5 on Day 1 of Duleep Trophy
**Anantapur:** Sanju Samson’s explosive 89* was the highlight of the first day of the fifth Duleep Trophy match between India B and India D at the Rural Development Trust Stadium ‘B’ in Anantapur. India D, electing to bat first, finished the day on a strong 306/5 in 77 overs.
Early on, Devdutt Padikkal (50) and Srikar Bharat (52) put on a 105-run opening partnership, but both fell shortly after reaching their half-centuries. Ricky Bhui, who scored a century in the previous game, added 54 runs with Nishant Sindhu before the latter became Rahul Chahar’s first victim.
India D captain Shreyas Iyer was dismissed for a duck, his second in the tournament, leaving the team at 175/4. Samson then joined Bhui, but the latter departed for 56 off 87 balls, leaving Samson to take charge.
Joining forces with Saransh Jain, the Kerala captain unleashed a barrage of boundaries, smashing 89 runs off just 83 deliveries, including 10 fours and three sixes. Jain provided valuable support, finishing on 26 not out. The duo added 90 runs off just 114 balls for the sixth wicket, setting the stage for an exciting second day.
Chahar picked up three wickets for India B, while Mukesh Kumar and Navdeep Saini each claimed a scalp. The first session on Day 2 is expected to be crucial as India B look to restrict India D’s momentum.
First Piper 