Duleep Trophy: Fifties from Shreyas Iyer, Devdutt Padikkal takes India D's 2nd innings lead to 202 vs India C

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In the seesaw contest going at Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh, India D took their second innings lead to 202 at the end of Duleep Trophy 2024 first-round match.

Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar picked a five-wicket haul to pull back things for India C but two fifty-run partnerships have given a fine edge to India D on a surface which has seen batters struggling.

Notably, India D were bundled out for 164 in the first innings after an impressive show by India C pace unit. In reply, India C conceded the advantage by getting bundled out for 168. Harshit Rana picked four wickets including that of India C captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Seeking to make an India comeback, Iyer struck 54 off 44 balls and laced his innings with nine fours and a six, while Padikkal compiled a 56-run knock off 70 balls, hitting eight boundaries during his stay in the middle.

At stumps on Day 2 (Friday), India D were 206/8 in their second innings with Axar Patel (11 off 37 balls) and Harishit Rana at the crease. Rana was yet to open his account, and he will look to support the experienced Axar in the first session of the third day as India C look to extend their lead and put pressure on their opponents. Y

22-year-old left-arm spinner Manav Suthar was the star of the day for India C, returning excellent figures of 5/30 in 15 overs, including picking the wickets of a well-set Padikkal and Ricky Bhui, who was trapped in front of the wicket for a vital 91-ball 44.

But it was the 53-run partnership between Iyer and Padikkal that steadied the India D innings after they lost their openers Atharva Taide and Yash Dubey with 40 runs on the board. Padikkal later partnered for 73 runs with Ricky Bhui.

Earlier, resuming their first innings at overnight 91/4, India C were bowled out for 168 runs, largely due to a brilliant bowling display from Harshit Rana, who took 4/33, and Axar, who chipped in with 2/46. The seasoned Baba Indrajith top-scored for India C with 72 off 149 balls, while Abhishek Porel contributed 34 off 61 deliveries.

(With Input From PTI)