Duleep Trophy: Shams Mulani misses out on maiden First-Class hundred
India A finished at 290/10 after being put into bat by India D in the 2024 Duleep Trophy fixture in Anantapur. The team recovered after early setbacks thanks to Shams Mulani's knock of 89 runs. He shared a crucial partnership of 91 runs for the seventh wicket with his Mumbai teammate Tanush Kotian. The southpaw, however, missed out on his maiden First-Class hundred.
India D's fast bowlers shine in phases
Following Shreyas Iyer's decision to field first, pacers Harshit Rana and Vidhwath Kaverappa delivered impressive opening spells. Riyan Parag launched a counter-attack with three boundaries off Arshdeep Singh's second over. However, his aggressive knock was cut short at 37 off 29 balls. India A were reeling at 93/5 when Mulani arrived in the middle. He started confidently against left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar by hitting a boundary early in his innings.
Mulani and Kotian's resistance against India D
Mulani and Kumar Kushagra (28) were steering India A toward stability when Arshdeep dismissed the latter and broke the 51-run stand. However, this did not deter Mulani who continued his resistance with Tanush Kotian (53). The Mumbai duo gave a tough time to the opposition bowlers as India A went past 200. Their partnership helped India A recover from their earlier setbacks in the match.
Mulani's batting prowess and match summary
Mulani demonstrated his batting skills by playing close to the body and punching off his back foot. He hit three boundaries through the point region off Arshdeep Singh and Vidhwath Kaverappa. When Arshdeep tested him with bouncers, he responded with a hook shot over the fine-leg fence. Mulani also took on spinners Saransh Jain and Saurabh Kumar. He, however, could only add one run to his total on Day 2 morning. Rana sent him back.
17th fifty in FC cricket
With the help of three sixes and eight fours, Mulani made 89 off 187 balls. As per ESPNcricinfo, he has raced to 1,743 runs from 39 First-Class matches at an average of 32-plus. This was his 17th fifty as his highest score reads 97*. He has also claimed 180 wickets with his left-arm spin at 23.23.
