Avesh Khan, Aaqib Khan Give India A Upper Hand vs India C In Duleep Trophy Final Round Clash

Pacer Avesh Khan sparkled with a gritty unbeaten half-century before taking the prized-scalp of Ishan Kishan as India A mounted a strong challenge against India C on day two of the Duleep Trophy final round match in Anantapur on Friday. The 27-year-old Avesh, who has represented India in eight ODIs and 23 T20Is so far, hammered five fours and four sixes in a 68-ball 51 not out while batting at No. 9, propelling India A to 297. In response, India C faced a top-order collapse as youngster Aaqib Khan (3/43) and Avesh (1/52) tore through their lineup.

Aaqib, the 20-year-old pacer from Uttar Pradesh, was particularly impressive as he dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rajat Patidar off successive deliveries.

At stumps, India C were 216 for 7, trailing by 81 runs and struggling to take a first-innings lead in the four-day encounter.

India C currently lead the points table with 9 points, followed by India B (7) and India A (6), with the top team after this round set to claim the Duleep Trophy title.

Meanwhile, Shashwat Rawat's resolute knock came to an end for 124 (250 balls) this morning after he managed to add just two runs to his overnight total.

A crucial 42-run partnership between Avesh and Prasidh Krishna (34 off 39) then took India A forward as the tailenders kept adding vital runs. Avesh then went on to complete his second first-class half-century, boosting the team's total.

Vyshak Vijaykumar was the pick of the bowlers for India C, claiming 4/51, while Anshul Kamboj (3/49) and Gaurav Yadav (2/57) provided valuable support.

India C crumbled under the fiery pace of Aaqib, who rattled the top order with crucial wickets of skipper Gaikwad (17) and Rajat Patidar, the latter falling for a golden duck as a sharp, low delivery