Axar Patel’s resilient knock of 86 (118 balls, 6 fours, 6 sixes) saved India D from complete collapse during their Duleep Trophy clash against India C at the Rural Trust Development Stadium on Thursday. Axar’s valiant innings, combined with an 84-run ninth-wicket stand alongside Arshdeep Singh, revived India D’s chances in a match that was threatening to slip away.

India D’s batting order had faltered earlier in the day, reeling at 34 for five inside 11 overs. However, Axar’s counter-attacking approach brought life back into the contest during the second session, igniting the crowd that had slipped into a lull post-lunch. With two sixes and a boundary off left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, Axar injected much-needed momentum into the innings, keeping the bowlers on the back foot.

Axar’s aggression didn’t stop with spin. He took on Hrithik Shokeen, dispatching him for back-to-back sixes over long-on and long-off. Not content with just punishing the spinners, the left-handed batter also targeted the pacers, lofting Himanshu Chauhan down the ground for consecutive boundaries earlier in his innings.

Arshdeep Singh, playing the supporting role, contributed 17 valuable runs, including a six off Himanshu Chauhan. But the partnership came to an end when Vyshak Vijayakumar’s bouncers tested the lower-order batsman, leading Arshdeep to edge one to backward point while attempting an uppercut.

Axar’s hopes of reaching a second First-Class century were dashed when, with only 14 runs required, he miscued a slog sweep off Shokeen, sending the ball to deep midwicket and bringing India D’s innings to a close at 164. Despite his dismissal, Axar’s fighting knock helped India D avoid a more disastrous total.

In reply, India C ended the day at 91 for four, still trailing by 73 runs. A steady unbeaten fifth-wicket partnership of 58 runs between Abishek Porel and Baba Indrajith helped stabilize India C after early wickets had fallen. The pair’s sensible batting ensured their side ended the day in a relatively strong position.

Harshit Rana and Axar Patel were instrumental in keeping India D in the game. Rana struck twice, claiming the wickets of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Anuj Rawat, while Axar added another scalp to his already impressive day with the dismissal of Sarfaraz Khan.

India D’s innings began under overcast skies, and the team found itself in trouble from the outset. Shreyas Iyer’s side lost five wickets within the first 11 overs, struggling against both the pace and bounce on offer. Vyshak Vijayakumar was the chief destroyer, striking early to remove Atharva Taide, who mishit a hook shot and was caught at fine leg. Vyshak then sent back India D skipper Shreyas Iyer, squaring him up with lateral movement and inducing an edge to the keeper.

The carnage continued as Devdutt Padikkal was caught at cover attempting a drive off Vyshak. Ricky Bhui followed shortly after, top-edging a pull shot to give Himanshu Chauhan his first wicket. At 34 for five, India D was staring down the barrel.

A brief resistance came from Axar and KS Bharat, but Bharat soon fell to Suthar, edging to first slip. A mix-up between Axar and Saransh Jain led to a run-out, further compounding India D’s woes, leaving them at 76 for seven. However, Axar’s determined knock ensured the team reached a somewhat competitive total.

Despite being on the back foot for most of the day, Axar Patel’s knock has kept India D in the contest. As India C continues its innings on Day 2, the match remains open, with both teams having a chance to seize the initiative. India D’s bowlers will need to strike early if they are to capitalize on Axar’s efforts and prevent India C from building a substantial lead.