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Aaqib Khan ignited India A‘s dominance on Day 2 of the Duleep Trophy 2024 match with a sensational spell, delivering two critical blows in quick succession against India C on Friday (September 20).
Aaqib Khan strikes twice in two balls: Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rajat Patidar fall
Aaqib gave India A the perfect start by dismissing Ruturaj Gaikwad with a full-length delivery that shaped away slightly, forcing the India C captain into a tentative poke. The resulting edge was comfortably taken by wicketkeeper Kumar Kushagra, sending Gaikwad back for 17. This breakthrough came at a crucial time, putting India C on the back foot.
Immediately after, Aaqib produced another full-length beauty to remove Rajat Patidar. This time, the ball zipped through to clean bowl the experienced batter, who departed without scoring, leaving India C reeling at 29/2. The consecutive wickets handed Aaqib a dream start and put India A firmly in control of the match early on the second day.
Here’s the video:
WHAT A START for Aaqib Khan ⚡️⚡️
✌️ wickets off his first 2⃣ balls!
Ruturaj Gaikwad ✅
Rajat Patidar ✅#DuleepTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBankFollow the match ▶️: https://t.co/QkxvrUnnhz pic.twitter.com/LTD2GMn3MM
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) September 20, 2024
Also READ: Duleep Trophy 2024 Schedule: Date, Match Time, Broadcast & Live Streaming details
Ishan Kishan falls to Avesh Khan’s precision
India C’s troubles deepened when Avesh Khan joined the wicket-taking spree, dismissing Ishan Kishan for 5. Avesh targeted Kishan with a well-directed ball that straightened off the seam, beating the left-hander’s attempted drive and crashing into the stumps. Kishan’s departure at 39/3 further dented India C’s chances of building a solid foundation in their innings.
Sai Sudharsan’s resistance ends as Aaqib strikes again
Sai Sudharsan, who had been trying to stabilize the innings with patient batting, became Aaqib’s third victim. Aaqib once again showcased his accuracy, getting Sudharsan to edge a length ball to the wicketkeeper. Sudharsan’s gritty 17 off 51 deliveries came to an end, leaving India C tottering at 41/4. Aaqib’s exceptional display of bowling set India A firmly on top, leaving India C with an uphill task to recover from the early damage.
Match so far: India A in control over India C
India A has taken control on Day 2 of the match, first posting a total of 297 after a remarkable recovery led by Shashwat Rawat‘s gritty 124 and Avesh’s counter-attacking 51. India C’s response has been shaky, with their top order collapsing to 71/4 before lunch. Aaqib Khan has been instrumental in India A’s bowling dominance, causing early damage. With India C still trailing by 226 runs, they face an uphill task to close the gap and avoid a significant first-innings deficit. India A remains firmly in the driver’s seat as the match progresses.
