Ricky Bhui, Shreyas Iyer Shine as India D Maintain Upper Hand in Duleep Trophy Clash

Ricky Bhui and Shreyas Iyer's performances enabled India D to maintain their advantage over India B in the Duleep Trophy. India D leads India B by 311 runs at stumps on Day 3. Meanwhile, India A's Riyan Parag and Shashwat Rawat brought their team back into contention against India C.

India D continued their dominance over India B on Day 3 of the Duleep Trophy 2024 in Anantapur, thanks to vital contributions from Ricky Bhui and Shreyas Iyer. India B began the day at 210/6 and extended their total to 282, spearheaded by Washington Sundar's 87 off 140 balls. Saurabh Kumar of India D was pivotal, claiming the remaining four wickets to end with 5/73 figures.

In their second innings, India D witnessed a shaky start. Quick wickets from Navdeep Saini and Mukesh Kumar sent Devdutt Padikkal (3), Srikar Bharat (2), and Nishant Sindhu (5) back to the pavilion. Shreyas Iyer stabilized the innings with a brisk fifty off 40 balls at a strike rate of 125, only to be dismissed by Mukesh in the 14th over. Mukesh struck again to remove Sanju Samson in the 31st over.

At the close of play, Ricky Bhui (90*) and Akash Sengupta (28*) remained not out, giving India D a substantial 311-run lead. India B, currently second on the points table, must hope for unfavorable outcomes for India C and India A to secure the coveted Duleep Trophy.

In another Duleep Trophy fixture, fifties from Riyan Parag (73) and Shashwat Rawat (53) kept India A in the contest against India C on Day 3. Their contributions extended India A's lead to 333 runs at stumps, with four wickets left. Parag and Rawat's 105-run fourth-wicket partnership was crucial, although Parag was dismissed by Gaurav Yadav in the 49th over and Rawat by Manav Suthar in the 52nd.

Anshul Kamboj led India C's bowling in the second innings, claiming two wickets for 52 runs at an economy of 3.20. India A's Kumar Kushagra (40*) and Tanush Kotian (13*) are unbeaten at the crease, reinforcing their 333-run advantage. Presently in third place, India A are desperate for a win to clinch the Duleep Trophy.

(With inputs from agencies.)