Watch: Manav Suthar takes blinder to dismiss rampant Axar Patel in Duleep Trophy 2024

Manav Suthar and Axar Patel. (Source – BCCI Domestic)

The first round of matches in the Duleep Trophy 2024 got underway on Thursday, September 5. In the clash between India C and India D, Axar Patel played a stunning innings before Manav Suthar took an exceptional catch to end his stay at the crease.

While India A and India B are facing each other at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, India C and India D are in action at the Rural Development Trust Stadium in Anantapur. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is leading India C, won the toss and opted to field first on a spicy track.

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The bowlers backed up Gaikwad’s decision to bowl first as they caused some serious problems for the opposition batters. One of India’s premier spin-bowling all-rounders, Axar Patel, came out to bat at No. 7, with the score at 34/5 in the 11th over. He saw three more wickets falling from the other end as India D were reeling at 76/8.

However, Patel did not lose hope as he found Arshdeep Singh for the company and the duo stitched a brilliant 84-run standoff with just 90 deliveries. Arshdeep played a holding role, while Patel did the bulk of the scoring. The Gujarat all-rounder was taking the India C bowlers to the cleaners before he eventually perished for a 118-ball 86, trying to hit Hrithik Shokeen for a maximum.

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Patel, who had already hit six fours and as many sixes during his knock, went for a big heave to the on-side but didn’t manage to find an optimum connection. Suthar, who was stationed near the boundary line at deep mid-wicket, had to take a few steps back and pull out a full-stretch dive to grab the ball with both hands.

Watch the video below:

India D were eventually bowled out for 164 as Arshdeep was the last batter to be dismissed for a 33-ball 13. Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Vijaykumar Vyshak was the pick of the bowlers as he finished with figures of 3/19 in 12 overs. Meanwhile, Anshul Kamboj and Himanshu Chauhan bagged two wickets apiece. Suthar and Shokeen also chipped in with one wicket each.