Abhimanyu Easwaran Leads India B Fightback
India B’s opener Abhimanyu Easwaran stood firm under pressure, scoring an unbeaten 143 runs in their Duleep Trophy 2024 match against India C. Despite his gritty century, India B found themselves in trouble as they ended the third day at 309 for 7, still trailing by 216 runs. They need 66 more runs to avoid a follow-on, with only three wickets in hand. The star of India C’s bowling attack, Anshul Kamboj, wreaked havoc by taking five crucial wickets and putting India B on the back foot.
Early Setbacks for India B
Starting the day at a solid 124 for no loss, with Easwaran on 51 and Narayan Jagadeesan on 67, India B looked comfortable. However, their stability quickly faded as India C’s pacer, Anshul Kamboj, struck early. In only the fourth over of the day, Kamboj dismissed Jagadeesan, who managed to add just three more runs to his overnight score, departing for 70. His dismissal broke a 129-run opening partnership and set the tone for the collapse that followed.
Anshul Kamboj’s Brilliant Bowling Spell
Kamboj’s aggressive bowling created further damage as he sent brothers Musheer Khan and Sarfaraz Khan back to the pavilion for just 1 and 16 runs, respectively. He didn’t stop there. Rinku Singh, known for his big hitting, could only manage 6 runs before Kamboj took his wicket, and Nithis Kumar Reddy contributed just 2 runs before falling prey to Kamboj’s fiery spell. Kamboj’s impressive figures of 5/66 in 23.5 overs left India B struggling at 194 for 5.
Easwaran Holds Steady Amidst Collapse
Despite losing partners at the other end, Easwaran remained focused and determined. The Bengal batter showed immense composure, frustrating India C’s bowlers as he worked towards his century. His knock was vital in holding the innings together, and he continued to resist the bowling attack. Easwaran’s patience paid off as he reached his century, but the task of avoiding the follow-on still loomed large.
Support from Lower-Order Batters
While wickets continued to tumble, Easwaran found some support from the lower order. He put together a 43-run partnership with Washington Sundar, who contributed 13 runs. After Sundar’s dismissal, Easwaran teamed up with Sai Kishore, adding another 46 runs to the total. Kishore managed to score 21 runs before being dismissed, leaving India B in a precarious position.
At the close of play, Easwaran remained unbeaten on 143, with Rahul Chahar providing support at the other end with 18 not out. However, with only three wickets remaining, the challenge of avoiding the follow-on became even more daunting.
India C in a Commanding Position
India C’s commanding first innings total of 525, led by Ishan Kishan’s century, had put them in a strong position from the start. Despite Easwaran’s heroics, India C’s bowlers, particularly Kamboj, ensured they maintained control over the match. India B’s middle-order collapse, combined with the disciplined bowling attack from India C, made it difficult for them to gain any momentum.
Decision Time for India C’s Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad
As India B trail by 216 runs, the decision now rests with India C skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad on whether to enforce the follow-on. Given that tomorrow is the final day of the Duleep Trophy 2024 match, Gaikwad may choose to skip the follow-on, knowing that his team is already assured of three valuable points from the first innings lead.
However, if Gaikwad decides to enforce the follow-on and India C can secure an outright win, they will earn six points. The decision will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match, but with India C already in a dominant position, they hold all the cards.
Conclusion
Abhimanyu Easwaran’s gritty century has been the highlight for India B in an otherwise challenging match. His resilience has kept his team in the contest, but with just three wickets remaining and 66 more runs needed to avoid the follow-on, the task ahead looks tough. On the other side, Anshul Kamboj’s five-wicket haul has put India C in a strong position, and they are on the verge of securing a crucial victory.
As the final day approaches, all eyes will be on Ruturaj Gaikwad’s decision on whether to enforce the follow-on and push for the win, or to play it safe and take the points from the first innings lead. Either way, India C has the upper hand, but cricket has often proven to be unpredictable. The next day’s play promises to be a thrilling conclusion to this Duleep Trophy 2024 clash. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
