Shams Mulani still waiting for his first first-class ton, scores 89 for India A

Mumbai’s Shams Mulani led India A’s first-innings fightback against India D in round two of the 2024 Duleep Trophy. However, he again missed out on his maiden first-class hundred when he departed for a well-made 89. He joined a not-so-fortunate list as it featured the batters with the most fifties without scoring a hundred in first-class cricket. This was Mulani’s 17th first-class fifty, equalling Sarabjit Singh’s record. Former India cricketer Murali Karthik topped the list with 21 fifties in 258 innings.

Nevertheless, Mulani led India A’s recovery on day 1 of the match against Shreyas Iyer-led India D. The Mumbai all-rounder rescued India A from 93 for 5 to help them post a competitive first-innings total of 290 runs on the board. After opener Pratham Singh and India A captain Mayank Agarwal were dismissed cheaply, Riyan Parag played a counter-attacking innings. He scored 37 runs from just 29 balls but was dismissed soon after, leaving the team at 65/3.

Mulani’s brave battle of 88

The wickets fell in quick succession and Kushagra Dixit joined Mulani, who came in to bat at 7th position. They shared a 51-run partnership from 90 balls and then the 7th wicket stand between Mulani and Tanush Kotian turned the tide in India A’s favour. The Mumbai pair of Mulani and Kotian stepped forward and batted for 27 overs to frustrate the bowlers as conditions became considerably easier for batting towards the end of a hot day.

Shams Mulani saves India A

Kotian took on the role of aggressor when he hit six fours and a six for his 12th first-class half-century. He was dismissed by left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar, who had been outpaced until then. His wicket was followed by that of Prasidh Krishna as Day 1 ended on 288/8. When India A batted again on Day 2, Mulani was just 12 away from his maiden first-class hundred.

However, in the 3rd over of the day, Harshit dismissed Rana Mulani, who managed to add just one run to his overnight score. He walked off the field after scoring 89 runs from 187 balls and received a standing ovation from his teammates. Harshit dismissed the last batter, Aaqib Khan, on the very next ball and took two consecutive wickets as he finished with 4/51.