Propelled by young Prithvi Shaw and Dinesh Karthik’s well-compiled centuries, India Red posted 317 for five until Stumps on Day 1 of the Duleep Trophy, 2017 final in Lucknow. The young opener anchored the innings with a carefully paced 154 off 249 balls until being sent back at the fag end of the day. He was complemented by India Red’ skipper who made a determined 155-ball 111 in the 211-run partnership until Akshay Wakhare struck to end the stand.
India Blue claimed three quick wickets in the final overs of the day to bring themselves back into the game.
Earlier, Akhil Herwadkar and Shaw stitched a 74-run partnership to play themselves in. They had almost seen the team through the first session, but Herwadkar looking for a single was run out. Shaw and his other Mumbai team-mate, Suryakumar Yadav then took the team to Tea at 86 for one.
However, in the first over of the second session, Yadav departed nicking Bhargav Bhatt to the slips leaving India Red on 89 for two. That brought captain Dinesh Karthik to the crease. Shaw, who was in good nick continued to score steadily off the opposition bowlers and was ably supported by the wicketkeeper-batsman in shaping the innings. The duo kept the bowlers at bay as they built a solid innings. The pair took the side to Dinner at 203 for two; en route the opener reached his century while the captain posted his half-century.
As they continued their efforts to maintain the upper-hand, Karthik too reached the three-figure mark. The India Red skipper played a determined knock to help the team to the 300-run mark with the youngster who brought-up his 150 as they steered the team to an advantageous position.
However, as the end of day’s play approached, Wakhare struck to end the third-wicket partnership. He trapped Karthik lbw to leave the side on 300 for three. Six runs later, Shaw departed nicking Bhatt to the wicket-keeper.
Ishank Jaggi then joined Baba Indrajith in the middle. But 11 runs later, a fantastic low catch by Ishan Kishan at short leg off Bhatt, sent back Indrajith signalling end of day’s play. Jaggi was unbeaten on nine at Stumps.
Scores: End of Day 1 – India Red 1st inn 317/5 in 83.3 overs (P Shaw 154, D Karthik 111, I Jaggi 9*, B Bhatt 3/83)
