IMAGE: India D skipper Shreyas Iyer found his rhythm, smashing a robust 37-ball half-century against India B in Anantapur on Saturday. Photograph: BCCI

Ricky Bhui was tantalizingly close to back-to-back centuries, falling just 10 runs short, as India D expanded their overall lead to a commanding 311 runs against India B by the end of the third day of the Duleep Trophy clash in Anantapur on Saturday.

Shreyas Iyer also showcased his prowess with a significant half-century for India D, compiling an impressive 50 off just 40 balls.

As the day’s play concluded, India D stood at 244 for 5 in their second innings. Bhui remained unbeaten on a stellar 90 off 87 deliveries, featuring 10 boundaries and three sixes.

Earlier in the match, India B was bowled out for 282 in their first innings, responding to India D’s initial score of 349.

Beginning their day at 210 for 6, Washington Sundar’s resilient innings of 87 off 140 balls, embellished with seven fours and a six, came to an unfortunate end as he ran out of partners. The lower order failed to support Sundar, leaving him stranded short of his century.

Left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar, often on the verge of breaking into the higher echelons, delivered a standout performance, finishing with figures of 5 for 73. Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh could not add to his overnight tally of three wickets.

In their second innings, India D faced early trouble, plunging to 18 for 3 within the first four overs. However, Iyer and Bhui launched a fierce counter-attack, amassing 75 runs in just over 10 overs.

Iyer’s aggressive knock ended when he was caught by Mohit Avasthi off Mukesh Kumar’s bowling. Despite conceding 80 runs in his 13 overs, Mukesh managed to claim three wickets. Iyer’s innings included seven boundaries and a six.

Bhui continued the onslaught with support from Sanju Samson, who contributed a quickfire 45 off 53 balls. Together, they added another crucial 68 runs for the fifth wicket in just over 17 overs. Samson’s innings featured two sixes and five fours.

Bhui then partnered with young Assam all-rounder Akash Sengupta, who remained unbeaten on 28. Their partnership yielded an additional 83 runs for the unbroken sixth wicket in under 13 overs.

India D maintained a brisk scoring rate of over five and a half runs per over, positioning themselves favorably to push for victory on Sunday. They aim to add a few more runs within an hour and set a challenging target of around 375 runs in 75 overs for India B.

Brief Scores:
India D: First Innings – 349, Second Innings – 244/5 in 44 overs (Ricky Bhui 90 not out, Shreyas Iyer 50, Sanju Samson 45; Mukesh Kumar 3/80, Navdeep Saini 2/40).
India B: First Innings – 282 in 76.2 overs (Abhimanyu Easwaran 116, Washington Sundar 87; Saurabh Kumar 5/73, Arshdeep Singh 3/50).