Anantapur (Andhra Pradesh) [India], September 20 (ANI): Shreyas Iyer’s woes persisted, but Sanju Samson’s valiant innings breathed new life into India D’s prospects against India B during the third round of the Duleep Trophy in Anantapur.

Sanju Samson, who ended the first day unbeaten on 89, continued his diligent effort and hammered a magnificent century. His aggressive approach took him to the century mark swiftly, although he soon fell prey to Navdeep Saini.

In response, India B captain Abhimanyu Easwaran stood as the solitary warrior for his team as wickets crumbled at the opposite end. Easwaran’s tenacious innings of 116 was instrumental in keeping India B’s hopes alive as they aimed to match the 349 posted by India D.

As wickets tumbled, attention turned to Suryakumar Yadav, making his return to Test cricket. However, his stay was brief; facing just 15 deliveries, he managed a solitary boundary before being dismissed by the fiery Arshdeep Singh.

Easwaran’s own resilient effort came to an end at 116 when he attempted a hook shot off Aditya Thakare, with the ball appearing to deflect off his arm guard. Towards the end of the innings, Washington Sundar provided a glimmer of hope with an unbeaten 39, helping India B reach a score of 210/6 by the close of play.

Simultaneously, in another gripping encounter, India C struggled at 216/7 despite contributions from prominent names like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, and Ishan Kishan. After restricting India A to 297, India C’s top-order faltered under pressure. Aaqib Khan was particularly effective, dismantling the opening trio of Gaikwad (17), Sudharsan (17), and Patidar (golden duck). When Avesh Khan bowled Ishan Kishan, Abishek Porel stepped up to mount a comeback.

Porel, drawing confidence from his standout performances for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024, scored a vital 82 off 113 balls to rescue India C. However, his innings was cut short by Shams Mulani, plunging India C back into trouble.

The lower order was then tasked with stabilizing the innings. Pulkit Narang and Vyshak Vijay Kumar rose to the occasion, forging an unbeaten 49-run partnership that lifted India C to 216/7 by stumps. Earlier in the day, Avesh Khan’s quickfire 51 had helped push India A from 224/7 to a respectable total of 297.

This round of the Duleep Trophy showcased not only individual brilliance but also the intense competition among teams vying for dominance in Indian domestic cricket.