The Duleep Trophy final was a tense affair, with India-A eventually emerging victorious with a thrilling 132-run win over India-C. The match hung in the balance until the very end, with a dramatic final few overs deciding the fate of the trophy.
B. Sai Sudharsan’s century for India-C had almost secured a draw, giving them a chance to lift the trophy. His brilliant innings of 111 runs off 206 balls, studded with 12 boundaries, was a testament to his resilience against a strong India-A bowling attack. He faced a challenging wicket and battled it out for a long period, keeping India-C’s hopes alive.
However, India-C’s hopes were dashed in the final few overs as a fiery spell from Prasidh Krishna turned the tide in favor of India-A. Krishna, returning from injury, showcased his class in only his second game, taking the crucial last three wickets to seal the victory for his team.
India-C’s captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, also played a significant role in their fightback. He scored a solid 44 runs off 93 balls, including 5 boundaries, before getting caught behind off the impressive seamer Aaqib Khan. The duo of Gaikwad and Sudharsan had put together a 77-run stand for the second wicket, giving India-C a glimmer of hope.
India-A’s victory was also aided by a surprise opening partnership from India-C. Vyshak Vijaykumar, a Karnataka seamer, was sent in to open alongside Ruturaj. He initially looked comfortable in his new role, scoring 36 runs for the first wicket. However, his decision to go for a single when there was none proved costly, as a direct hit from substitute fielder Shaik Rasheed saw him run out.
This match was a nail-biter, with the outcome uncertain until the very last ball. India-A’s triumph is a testament to their strong batting and bowling performances throughout the tournament. The Duleep Trophy, a prestigious domestic tournament, has once again provided a platform for exciting young talent to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level.
