The Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament, one of India’s most celebrated domestic red-ball events, entered its second round on August 22 with high-intensity contests across multiple venues in Chennai. Known for producing emerging talent and providing crucial match practice to seasoned domestic players, this round did not disappoint, offering outright wins, nail-biting finishes, and some stellar individual performances.
In the marquee clash, TNCA XI stamped their dominance over Haryana with an innings victory. TNCA XI piled up an imposing 414/8 in their first innings, a total that proved insurmountable. Haryana struggled throughout, folding cheaply in both innings without mounting a significant challenge. This win reinforced TNCA XI’s reputation as one of the strongest contenders in the competition.
Meanwhile, TNCA President’s XI registered another clinical performance against Maharashtra. Batting first, they posted 384/9 declared, with contributions across the board. Maharashtra began their chase steadily but faltered after a promising start of 105/2. A late collapse left them reeling, handing TNCA President’s XI a first-innings lead that secured their win under the tournament’s points system.
The fixture between Hyderabad and Jharkhand ended in a hard-fought draw, but not without drama. Jharkhand’s first innings total of 283 gave them a slight edge early on, but Hyderabad’s Nitish Reddy turned the tide with a composed century, guiding his side to 223/4. Though time ran out, Hyderabad left the match with their heads held high after staging a strong fightback.
Elsewhere, Punjab showcased their batting depth in a convincing win over Madhya Pradesh. After restricting MP to 230/9 in the first innings, Punjab’s aggressive response, spearheaded by Prabhsimran Singh, sealed an emphatic first-innings win. In another decisive contest, Chhattisgarh proved too strong for Himachal Pradesh, rolling them over for just 144 before building an unassailable lead.
Baroda edged Jammu & Kashmir in one of the most thrilling games of the round. J&K posted a competitive 280, but Baroda’s chase, marked by gritty batting and Aryan Chavda’s five-wicket haul earlier, ensured they crossed the line with wickets to spare. Mumbai and Bengal clashed in a battle of heavyweights, but Mumbai emerged superior, setting the tone with 266 in the first innings and dominating thereafter to clinch the win.
The encounter between Odisha and Railways delivered a low-scoring thriller. Odisha’s modest 222 looked vulnerable, but their bowlers held their nerve in a tense finish to edge Railways and secure a narrow but crucial victory.
Round 2 of the Buchi Babu Invitational highlighted the depth of talent in India’s domestic cricket system. From Nitish Reddy’s mature century to Aryan Chavda’s game-changing five-wicket haul, the tournament continues to be a breeding ground for future stars. With the Duleep Trophy set to begin on August 28, these performances will resonate strongly as selectors and coaches look to identify players capable of making the next big leap.
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