India Red in cruise control of Duleep final after Shaw’s ton
LUCKNOW: Prithvi Shaw, 17, on Monday became the secondyoungest batsman after Sachin Tendulkar to score a century on debut in Duleep Trophy, as India Red got off to a fine start against India Blue in the final.
Shaw had hit a century on his debut in Ranji Trophy during the semi-final against Tamil Nadu. It made him the first Mumbai batsman to score a ton on Ranji debut in more than two decades.
On the opening day of the Duleep final at the Ekana International Cricket Stadium, Shaw struck a career-best knock as India Red finished at 317/5 in 83.3 overs. Skipper Dinesh Karthik too slammed a hundred.
The pint-sized Shaw took the limelight away from India seamer Ishant Sharma, playing for India Blue. His 154 came off 249 balls with the help of 18 fours and a six. The chanceless knock left rival skipper Suresh Raina short of ideas as he used eight bowlers, including himself.
Starting with a cover drive off Ishant, Shaw showed character on the red-clay pitch, cutting, driving and even slashing with power and perfection. After playing five dot balls off Ishant’s seventh over, Shaw slashed a delivery for four to complete his second first-class century in his third match.
It was a perfect toss to win for Karthik, who chose to bat on a slow surface. The slower bowlers, including Bhargav Bhatt and Raina, spun the ball, posing some problems for Karthik, but it didn’t make a difference to Shaw.
Before being trapped leg before off Akshay Wakhre, Karthik struck a 155-ball 111. This was Karthik’s second ton at this venue in Duleep Trophy this season. He had scored an unbeaten 100 in the second innings against India Green in the opening match.
Ishant went wicketless as Shaw and fellow opener Akhil Herwadkar (25, 64, 4x4) dominated, stitching a 74-run stand before Akhil was run out.
Two wickets in succession raised hopes for India Blue, but Shaw and Karthik replied with 211-run stand for the third wicket. Shaw got out just before stumps as he edged to wicket-keeper S Bharat off Bhatt, who also had Baba Indrajith (4) caught by Ishan Kishan on the last ball of the day. Brief scores:India Red 317/5 in 83.3 overs (P Shaw 154, D Karthik 111, B Bhatt 3/83)