In just 7 first-class matches, Musheer Khan has a double hundred in a Ranji Trophy quarter-final, fifty in a Ranji semis, hundred in a Ranji final and now a daddy century in front of national selectors. The Duleep Trophy game between India A and India B has been headlined by the 19-year-old, who made a startling 181 in the first innings at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Musheer, Saini pile more misery to IND A
Musheer Khan had a dream Duleep Trophy debut. He finished Day 1 at 105* but still had that hunger to go and amass more misery on IND A. On the other hand, Navdeep Saini gave a great account of himself by digging out hard yards. He tired the bowlers out and got his much-deserved half-century (56). Saini and Musheer combined to change that entire match on its head, stitching up the highest-ever 8th wicket partnership of 204 runs. IND B were 94/7 at one point but then the duo took the side to a superb first-innings total of 321.
Akash Deep 4-fer!
One of the few bowlers that impressed was Akash Deep. The Bihar-born pacer, who also impressed in his maiden India vs England Test series earlier this year, had that zip in his bowling. He took a four-wicket haul, which was quite impressive.
KL Rahul-Riyan Parag hold their fort
India A had a decent opening partnership in reply to 321. The star-studded batting lineup began with Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill before the latter was out in a bizarre fashion at the stroke of Tea. Just when the third session began, Agarwal stoked one down the leg as Rishabh Pant grabbed a sensational catch.
Saini was ruling the roost as he had IND A at 66/2. Nitish Reddy was swinging the ball and it was a difficult phase but two star batters in KL Rahul and Riyan Parag negotiated well. The two played on the merit and gave a great account of themselves. The two have added 68 runs for the third wicket and will hope to close in on the 321-run mark on Day 3. For IND B, it will be all about taking wickets. Yash Dayal and Mukesh Kumar would need to pull their socks up if they are to put IND A in anguish.
IND A vs IND B Brief score after Day 2
IND B 1st innings: 321/10 (Musheer 181, Akash Deep 4/60)
IND A 1st innings: 134/2 (Mayank 36, Navdeep Saini 2/36)
