Deodhar Trophy | Ruturaj Gaikwad, Baba Aparajith tons set up big win for India B in opener

Vihari’s decision to send in the opposition after winning the toss at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi seemed like a wise move when Jaydev Unadkat removed Priyank Panchal cheaply. However, No.3 Yashasvi Jaiswal (31) went on the counter and stitched together a 47-run partnership before falling to Siddarth Kaul.

From there on, until Gaikwad’s dismissal, it was a show by him and in the incoming No.4 Aparajith carrying the team total to 221 for three in the 42nd over. Gaikwad hit eight fours and four sixes on his way a 122-ball 113, while Aparajith scored a-run-a-ball 101 with six fours and two sixes. Kedar Jadhav soon followed Gaikwad back into the dressing room, but a 16-ball cameo from Vijay Shankar saw India B breach the 300-run mark.

In reply, the India A side made a decent enough start — the opening stand lasting nearly nine overs and 32 runs. But three wickets in the space of five overs and 30 runs left them struggling at 52 for three in the 14th over. A patient Vihari made attempted to string partnerships with Amandeep Khare and Ishan Kishan, but the regular loss of wickets and an ever-increasing run rate was proved too much to handle in the end. Rush Kalaria delivered an impressive spell of three for 20, while Mohammad Siraj (two for 30) and Krishnappa Gowtham (one for 40) chipped in as well.