Duleep Trophy 2024: Shams Mulani led India A fightback with unbeaten 88

Bowling all-rounder Shams Mulani stood on the cusp of his maiden first-class hundred after leading India A's remarkable recovery to steer them to 288 for eight on day one of their Duleep Trophy fixture against India D here on Thursday.

Mulani (88 not out off 174) forged a 91-run stand with fellow Mumbai teammate Tanush Kotian (53 off 80) to save the day for India A who were reduced to 93 for five inside the first session.

Kumar Kushagra (28 off 66) too provided much-needed support to Mulani, who collected eight fours and three sixes in his unbeaten effort. The southpaw would be aiming to surpass his highest score of 97 on Friday.

Mulani, whose main role in the side is of a spinner, effectively used his feet against the slow bowlers especially against fellow left-armer Saurabh Kumar. Against the quicker bowlers, his play square of the wicket stood out.

He brought his half-century with a six down the ground off Saurabh, soon after smashing pacer Arshdeep Singh for a maximum over deep