Duleep Trophy: Shams Mulani leads India A fightback with unbeaten 88 on day one

NEW DELHI: India A's Shams Mulani on Thursday led a significant recovery against India D with an unbeaten 88 in the Duleep Trophy match in Anantapur. By the end of the first day, India A posted 288 for eight. Mulani, not out at 88 from 174 balls, is just 12 runs short of his first-ever first-class century.India A faced early trouble, dropping to 93 for five in the first session. Mulani, along with Tanush Kotian, who scored 53 off 80 balls, formed a crucial 91-run partnership to steady the innings. Mulani's solid effort included eight boundaries and three sixes.Kumar Kushagra also supported Mulani with a crucial 28-run knock. Mulani’s confidence against slow bowlers, particularly left-armer Saurabh Kumar and his skillful play against faster bowlers, was noteworthy. Mulani reached his half-century with a six off Saurabh and later hit Arshdeep Singh for another six.Pacer Harshit Rana and Vidwath Kaverappa stood out for India D. Kaverappa dismissed India A captain Mayank Agarwal and Pratham Singh early in the game. Agarwal, struggling in the tournament, was caught behind for just 7 runs, while Pratham was caught in the deep for the same score.Riyan Parag showed promise with a 37 off 29 balls but fell to a wide delivery from Arshdeep Singh. Tilak Varma managed only 10 runs.Towards the end of the day, Harshit dismissed Prasidh Krishna with a short ball. Tanush Kotian’s innings ended when he gave a simple catch to Arshdeep at mid on off Saurabh Kumar.Brief scores: India A 288/8 in 82 overs (Sham Mulani 88 batting, Tanush Kotian 53; Harshit Rana 2/49, Vidhwath Kaverappa 2/30, Arshdeep Singh 2/73).