The Duleep Trophy, BCCI’s domestic season opener, saw an exciting match between India C and India D on 5th September in Anantapur. India D, captained by Shreyas Iyer, struggled in the beginning after Ruturaj Gaikwad, captain of India C, chose to bowl first.
India D’s batsmen fell one after the other, losing 6 wickets for just 48 runs. The team looked in big trouble, but then Akshar Patel, batting at number 8, turned the match around.
Akshar’s Game-Changing Innings
Many Indian cricket stars, including Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant, are playing in the Duleep Trophy. However, they could not perform well on the first day. Akshar Patel, stepping in when his team was in serious danger, played an incredible knock. Shreyas Iyer got out after scoring only 9 runs, leaving India D in trouble at 48/6.
Akshar Patel decided not to play defensively and started attacking the bowlers. He hit sixes and fours, reaching his fifty in just 78 balls. His final score of 86 came off 118 balls, which included 6 sixes and 6 fours.
A Solid Partnership
Akshar’s innings was special because he scored even when wickets were falling. His partnership of 84 runs with Arshdeep Singh was crucial in getting India D to a respectable total. Arshdeep was out when the team score reached 160, and India D ended with a total of 164 runs.
Akshar’s innings gave India D hope after a difficult start. He played under pressure and led his team out of trouble with a smart, attacking game. His brilliant knock helped the team reach a decent score, turning the match into a competitive one.
