On the second day of their Duleep Trophy encounter here on Friday, India D extended their lead over India C to 202 runs thanks to flowing fifties from captain Shreyas Iyer and Devdutt Padikkal.
In an attempt to lead India to victory, Iyer scored 54 runs off 44 balls and added nine fours and a six to his innings, while Padikkal amassed a 56-run knock off 70 balls while hitting eight boundaries while occupying the middle position.
206/8 at stumps in their second innings, with Harishit Rana and Axar Patel (11 off 37 balls) at the crease, represented India D.
In the first session of the third day, Rana, who has not yet opened an account, will try to assist the seasoned Axar as India C looks to build on their lead and exert pressure on their rivals.
Manav Suthar, a young left-arm spinner, was India C’s star of the show with 5/30 in 15 overs. He picked out Ricky Bhui, who was stranded in front of the wicket for a crucial 44 from 91 balls, and well-set Padikkal.
However, the India D innings was stabilized by the 126-run partnership between Iyer and Padikkal, as they had lost their openers, Atharva Taide and Yash Dubey, with 40 runs scored.
Earlier, after commencing their first innings at overnight 91/4, India C was bowled out for 168 runs, mostly as a result of two outstanding bowling performances: Axar contributed 2/46 and Harshit Rana claimed 4/33.
With 72 runs in 149 balls, the seasoned Baba Indrajith led the way for India C. Abhishek Porel chipped in with 34 runs in 61 deliveries.
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