Introduction
Tilak Varma and Pratham delivered stellar centuries, guiding India A to a strong position against India D in their Duleep Trophy 2024 match. After three days of intense cricket, India A has taken full control of the game. Varma’s unbeaten knock and Pratham’s fluent innings placed India A in a commanding spot.
Varma and Pratham Lead the Charge
Tilak Varma and Pratham both played pivotal roles in building a massive lead for India A. Varma, continuing his push for national recognition, scored an unbeaten 111 off 193 balls. His performance, marked by precision and patience, included nine boundaries. Pratham, on the other hand, impressed with his 122 off 189 balls, hitting 12 fours and a six.
India A declared their second innings at 380 for three, leaving India D with a daunting target of 488. At the end of the day, India D had managed to score 62 runs, but they lost opener Atharva Taide early. Ricky Bhui (44) and Yash Dubey (15) remained at the crease, fighting to keep their team in the match.
Pratham’s Consistent Play
Resuming the day at 59, Pratham looked confident and in control from the beginning. He reached his century in 149 balls, demonstrating excellent shot selection and timing. His ability to play fluently, even under pressure, kept India A moving forward.
Pratham’s innings ended just before lunch when he was dismissed by left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar. Despite his departure, Pratham’s contribution remained crucial to India A’s commanding position. His partnership of 104 runs with Varma for the second wicket set the foundation for a big lead.
Varma Steers India A to Safety
Tilak Varma, hailed by Rohit Sharma as a potential future star for India, showcased his talent once again. After bringing up his half-century in 96 balls, Varma stayed composed and focused. He remained unbeaten on 111, holding the innings together as wickets fell at the other end.
After the loss of Riyan Parag for 20, Varma found support in Shashwat Rawat, who played a crucial knock of 64 not out from 88 balls. Together, they added 116 runs for the fourth wicket, further solidifying India A’s control over the match. Varma brought up his fifth First-Class century with a late cut to third man, securing his place as the backbone of the team.
India A Declares with a Strong Lead
India A declared their innings at 380 for three, just 15 minutes into the final session. With a massive lead of 487, they put India D under significant pressure. The decision to declare was strategic, giving India D a steep target to chase and enough time for India A’s bowlers to attack.
India D’s Struggle
India D faced a challenging task, needing 488 runs to win. Their start was shaky as they lost opener Atharva Taide in the third over to pacer Khaleel Ahmed. However, Yash Dubey and Ricky Bhui held their ground, ensuring no further damage before stumps. Bhui, who played confidently, scored 44, while Dubey supported him with 15 runs.
Though India D managed to avoid further losses on day three, the final day promises to be tough for them. With a massive target ahead, their batsmen will need to step up if they want to stay in the match.
Conclusion
India A, led by Tilak Varma and Pratham’s brilliant centuries, have taken full control of their Duleep Trophy 2024 match against India D. With a commanding lead and a strong bowling attack, they are in a prime position to seal victory. India D’s batsmen face an uphill battle on the final day, and only time will tell if they can pull off a remarkable comeback.
Varma’s unbeaten knock, Pratham’s consistent performance, and India A’s overall dominance have made this match an exciting contest. All eyes are now on the final day to see if India D can hold their ground or if India A will complete a well-deserved win. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
