While Ishan Kishan's hundred on return to first-class cricket highlighted a high-scoring day in the other Duleep Trophy match between India B and India C in Anantapur, Mulani and Kotian's gritty partnership stole the show. Shams Mulani, who played a key role in Mumbai's Ranji Trophy triumph last season, remained unbeaten on 88 at the end of the day's play. The left-handed batter hit eight boundaries and three sixes in a gusty knock against a quality bowling line-up. Mulani's 91-run partnership with Tanush Kotian for the seventh wicket kept India A in the hunt. On the other hand, Arshdeep Singh took two wickets, including that of middle-order batter Riyan Parag, but he conceded at 4.10 per over. Arshdeep, who lacks first-class experience, has been playing Duleep Trophy as the senior national team selectors are looking at left-arm pace options ahead of a busy Test season. India picked Yash Dayal for the two-Test series against Bangladesh, starting September 19. INDIA A'S SPIRITED FIGHT WITH THE BAT Karnataka fast bowler Vidwath Kaverappa gave India D a strong start after Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bowl. Kaverappa got rid of openers Pratham Singh and Mayank Agarwal cheaply before Riyan Parag got going, taking the attack to Arshdeep Singh. Riyan made 37 off 29 balls and was looking good to convert his start into a big knock. However, for the third successive time in the Duleep Trophy, Riyan threw it away. The Rajasthan Royals batter was dismissed by Arshdeep Singh after he chased a wide delivery and edged it to the slip cordon. India A continued to lose wickets at regular intervals as Shashwat Rawat (15) and Kumar Kushagra (28) failed to convert their starts before Mulani and Kotian stalled India D's charge with the ball. Left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar got the crucial wicket of Kotian in the final session to bring India D back into the contest. Prasidh Krishna, who returned to action after another long injury layoff, gave Mulani company, managing 34 deliveries in the middle before he was dismissed by Harshit Rana. At Stumps, Mulani had Khaleel Ahmed for company. The left-arm pacer hit 15 from just 14 balls, helping India A seal valuable runs in the final hour of the day's plan.