Fri Sep 20 13:33:07 UTC 2024: ## Avesh Khan’s Gritty Half-Century and Aaqib Khan’s Fiery Spell Put India A in Command
**Anantapur:** Pacer Avesh Khan delivered a stunning performance on Day 2 of the Duleep Trophy final round, propelling India A towards a first-innings lead with a gritty half-century and a crucial wicket.
Khan, who has represented India in international cricket, scored an unbeaten 51 runs off 68 balls, including five fours and four sixes, batting at number 9 and adding vital runs to India A’s total of 297. He then went on to claim the prized scalp of Ishan Kishan, further denting India C’s chase.
Earlier, India A’s innings had been built around Shashwat Rawat’s resolute knock of 124 runs and a crucial 42-run partnership between Avesh Khan and Prasidh Krishna. Vyshak Vijaykumar was the pick of the bowlers for India C, taking 4/51.
In response, India C faced a top-order collapse with young pacer Aaqib Khan claiming three wickets for 43 runs. The 20-year-old from Uttar Pradesh dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rajat Patidar off successive deliveries, rattling the Indian C batting line-up. Avesh Khan’s dismissal of Ishan Kishan further compounded India C’s woes.
Abhishek Sharma anchored the innings for India C, adding a crucial 51-run partnership with Baba Indrajith, who retired hurt after scoring 34. However, Shams Mulani’s two quick wickets left India C reeling at 165/6.
Pulkit Narang (35 batting off 93) and Vijaykumar Vyshak (14 batting off 25) steadied the ship, guiding their team to 216/7 at stumps. They still trail India A by 81 runs with three wickets in hand.
The third day promises to be an intriguing contest as India A look to press their advantage while India C attempt to close the gap. Currently, India C leads the points table with 9 points, followed by India B (7) and India A (6). The winner of this round will claim the Duleep Trophy title.
First Piper 