Musheer Khan played a crucial knock for India B on the opening day of the Duleep Trophy 2024 against a star-studded India A side at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The 19-year-old batsman scored an unbeaten 105 off 227 balls, lifting his team from a precarious 94 for seven to 202 for seven at stumps, alongside Navdeep Saini who provided valuable support.
A Defiant Partnership
Coming in when India B was struggling at 33 for one, Musheer initially stonewalled the India A bowling attack, which featured the likes of Akash Deep, Khaleel Ahmed, and Avesh Khan.
His slow and steady approach saw him make just 10 runs from his first 66 balls. However, as he settled in, Musheer began to open up his shots, reaching his half-century with some well-timed boundaries.
He then added a vital 108-run partnership with Saini, who remained not out on 29.
Musheer reached his third First-Class century with a single off Kuldeep Yadav, celebrating with a roar that echoed across the stadium, much to the pride of his elder brother Sarfaraz Khan, who watched from the dressing room.
Indiana’s Early Dominance
Earlier, India A had India B on the ropes, reducing them to 94 for seven at one point. Avesh Khan, Akash Deep, and Khaleel Ahmed bowled with precision, dismantling the India B top order.
Avesh trapped Sarfaraz Khan lbw, while Akash dismissed Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy off consecutive deliveries.
Pant’s dismissal was notable, as he was caught by Shubman Gill running back from mid-off. A brilliant piece of fielding also saw Washington Sundar run out, leaving India B in tatters.
Musheer Khan’s gritty century, however, kept India B in the fight as the game heads into Day 2 with India A still holding the upper hand but India B’s hopes resting on Musheer and Saini’s resilience.
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