Fri Sep 20 09:25:11 UTC 2024: ## Samson’s Century and Saini’s Five-For Highlight Duleep Trophy Action
**Anantapur, India:** Sanju Samson’s blistering century and Navdeep Saini’s five-wicket haul were the highlights of the Duleep Trophy’s final round match between India D and India B, played at the Rural Development Trust Stadium B in Anantapur on Friday.
Samson, the Rajasthan Royals star, powered India D to a formidable first innings total of 349 with a quickfire 106 off 101 balls. His 11th first-class century was laced with 12 boundaries and three sixes, including a crucial partnership with Ricky Bhui that steered India D out of trouble after losing two quick wickets.
Saini, also a Royals player, then showcased his bowling prowess, claiming his sixth five-wicket haul in first-class cricket. His impressive spell of 5/74 helped India B claw their way back into the match, effectively curtailing the India D innings after Samson’s whirlwind knock.
Saini’s fifer included the dismissal of Samson, who was caught by Nitish Kumar Reddy on 106. He then cleaned up India D’s lower order, picking up four wickets and effecting a run-out before lunch on the second day.
In addition to Samson’s century, India D saw half-centuries from Devdutt Padikkal, Srikar Bharat, and Ricky Bhui. Rahul Chahar also played a significant role for India B, taking three wickets.
Meanwhile, in the other last-round match, Avesh Khan shone with a second first-class half-century for India A, scoring an unbeaten 51 off 68 balls against India C. He formed a crucial partnership with centurion Shashwat Rawat, rescuing India A from a shaky 154/7. He later joined forces with Prasidh Krishna (34), adding another valuable 42 runs to the India A total.
First Piper 