Ricky Bhui delayed the inevitable with a stubborn hundred, but spinners Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian eventually brought India D to their knees as India A walked away with a 186-run win in the Duleep Trophy match in Anantapur on Sunday.
Bhui, starting from overnight 44, made 113 (195b, 14x4, 3x6) but India D, overnight 62, were bundled out for 301, chasing 488.
The victory enabled India A to stay in contention for the title with 6 points. But they will have to get a favourable result against table-toppers India C (9 points) in their next match here from September 19.
India D, out of title race after two successive defeats, will be up against second-placed India B, who have 7 points. On a pitch that gave copious assistance to the spinners, the 'D' batters needed to show tremendous application to hang around.