Duleep Trophy: Tilak Varma, Pratham Singh shine as India A take command against India D

NEW DELHI: India A secured a strong position against India D on the third day of their Duleep Trophy match in Anantapur. Key performances came from Tilak Varma and Pratham Singh, both scoring hundreds.Varma, aiming to stay relevant in the national team selection, remained unbeaten with 111 runs from 193 balls. Pratham Singh scored 122 runs from 189 balls.Their efforts led India A to declare their second innings at 380 for three, setting a target of 488 runs for India D.Pratham, resuming on 59, reached his century in the first session with 149 balls. He was eventually dismissed by left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar.Varma and Pratham added 104 runs for the second wicket. At the lunch break, India A stood at a stable 260 for two.Post-lunch, India A lost Riyan Parag for 20 runs. Varma found a reliable partner in Shashwat Rawat, who scored 64 runs not out.Their partnership of 116 runs without any separations allowed India A to control the match. Varma completed his fifth First-Class century with a late cut off Saransh Jain.India A declared at 380 for three after batting for about 15 minutes into the final session. India D began their chase and lost opener Atharva Taide to pacer Khaleel Ahmed in the third over.However, Ricky Bhui (44) and Yash Dubey (15) ensured no further wickets were lost before the end of play.Varma's unbeaten performance and the overall team effort have placed India A in a dominant position, leading into the final day.Brief Scores:India A: 290 all out and 380 for 3 declared in 98 overs (Pratham Singh 122, Tilak Varma 111 not out, Shashwat Rawat 64 not out) vs India D: 183 all out and 62/1 in 19 overs (Ricky Bhui batting 44).