India D struggled early on, collapsing to 48 for six, before Axar’s efforts raised their total to 164.
At stumps, India C were 91 for four, trailing by 73 runs.
India C’s pace duo, Anshul Kamboj (2/47) and Vijaykumar Vyshak (3/19) capitalized on a responsive pitch to decimate India D’s top order.
Batting at number seven, Axar began his innings cautiously but transitioned to an aggressive approach, scoring 86 off 118 balls and propping up India D’s innings in 48.3 overs.
Pacer Harshit Rana’s early strikes pegged back India C and Axar further dented their progress by dismissing Aryan Juyal (12) and Rajat Patidar (13).
Axar’s bowling contributions complemented his earlier batting heroics, making a significant impact on the game. India C’s wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel displayed resilience with an unbeaten 32, standing alongside Baba Indrajith, who was on 14 at the close of play.
During India D’s innings, Axar’s dominance was evident as he smashed six sixes, particularly targeting left-arm spinner Manav Suthar for three of them. He used the slog-sweep effectively to relieve pressure and later dispatched Suthar for consecutive sixes in the 39th over.
The dismissal of key batsmen like Shreyas Iyer (9), who fell to a notable delivery from Vyshak, added to India D’s struggles.
Opener Atharva Taide (4) attempted a pull shot early in his innings and was caught at fine leg, showcasing some questionable shot selections.
Devdutt Padikkal (0) also succumbed early, caught at cover by India C’s skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad off a straightforward ball from Vyshak.
While the day featured some standout performances, the inadequacies in shot selection from several India D batsmen were notable.
Brief scores:
India D: 164 all out in 48.3 overs (Axar Patel 86; Vijaykumar Vyshak 3/19).
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