After a modest start and early setbacks, Musheer, alongside Navdeep Saini, lifted India B from a precarious 94 for seven with a crucial partnership that ensured their team ended the day in a more stable position.
Musheer, unbeaten on 105 off 227 balls, which included 10 fours and 2 sixes, displayed maturity that belied his 19 years. He found a steadfast partner in Navdeep Saini, who remained not out on 29 off 74 balls, hitting 4 fours and 1 six. Their partnership of 108 for the eighth wicket came after India B faced significant early challenges under overcast skies, which led India A’s skipper Shubman Gill to bowl first.
Musheer, younger brother of Sarfaraz Khan, saved his side from a total collapse with an innings of rare maturity.
The right-handed Musheer walked in at No. 3 in the 14th over when Abhimanyu Easwaran got out. Easwaran fell to Avesh Khan, edging to stumper Dhruv Jurel, who completed a stunning dive in front of KL Rahul at first slip.
Musheer had to handle not only the tough playing conditions but also the effective India A pacers who dominated for much of the day. Musheer’s technique was unconventional but effective, as he often walked down the track to counter the movement of the ball.
Musheer gave glimpses of his elegant self through a wonderful on-drive off Avesh that sped to the fence and a withering cut off left-arm seamer Khaleel Ahmed.
The right-hander also displayed his power by hitting spinner Tanush Kotian for two sixes in an over. Although he was dropped by Avesh on 69, Musheer capitalized on the opportunity, eventually reaching his century off 205 balls with a single off Kuldeep Yadav.
Saini’s support was vital as he stayed with Musheer in the final session, even as the India A bowlers lost their sharpness and direction. However, before the resilient partnership, several India B batters fell to poor shot selection.
Pant’s dismissal, trying to drive Akash Deep and top-edging to Shubman Gill, exemplified their struggles. Pant’s return to the longer format had buzz but ended prematurely, leaving a gap in the lineup.
Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed 30 off 59 balls, showing good form with six boundaries but fell while attempting a risky cut shot off Khaleel, caught by substitute Shashwat Kumar. Akash Deep delivered a standout ball to dismiss Nitish Kumar Reddy, hitting the middle and off-stump with a slight movement, resulting in a first-ball duck for the batter.
Washington Sundar also got run out after backing up too far, adding to the India’s B collapse at the mid-point of the day. Despite the setbacks, the Musheer-Saini stand revived India B’s innings, ensuring they retained hope moving into the later stages of the contest.
Brief scores: India B 202/7 in 79 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 30, Musheer Khan 105*; Khaleel Ahmed 2/39, Akash Deep 2/28, Avesh Khan 2/42) vs India A.