Duleep Trophy: Bhui makes hundred in India D's 186-run defeat against India A

NEW DELHI: In the Duleep Trophy match held in Anantapur on Sunday, India A defeated India D by 186 runs. Ricky Bhui's determined century postponed the inevitable, but spinners Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian eventually led India A to victory.
Starting the day at 44 runs, Bhui reached 113 off 195 balls, including 14 boundaries and three sixes. However, India D, which resumed at 62, was bowled out for 301 while chasing 488.
The win keeps India A in the title hunt with six points.Their next game is against table-toppers India C, who hold nine points, starting on September 19. India D, out of the title race following two losses, will face second-placed India B, who have seven points.
Despite the pitch offering significant assistance to spinners, only Bhui demonstrated the necessary patience. Bhui's partnership with Yash Dubey, worth 100 runs, ended when Dubey was run out. Shortly after, Mulani bowled out Devdutt Padikkal, reducing India D to 105 for three.
India D built useful stands for the next two wickets. Bhui and Shreyas Iyer added 53 runs, followed by a 62-run partnership between Bhui and Sanju Samson.
However, Mulani removed both Iyer and Samson, who failed to connect a pull as the ball disturbed the timber.
Bhui, showcasing confidence, completed his century in 170 balls. Off-spinner Kotian then dismissed Saransh Jain and later Bhui, who was caught by Riyan Parag in the deep.
This marked the end of India D's resistance as Kotian further dismissed Saurabh Kumar and Harshit Rana.
Mulani, who took crucial wickets, was named player of the match.
Brief scores: India A: 290 and 380/3 declared beat India D: 183 and 301 all out in 82.2 overs (Ricky Bhui 113, Shreyas Iyer 41, Sanju Samson 40; Shams Mulani 3/117, Tanush Kotian 4/73) by 186 runs.