Can Central Zone Secure Their Spot in the Duleep Trophy Final?
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Synopsis
Central Zone's impressive batting display, led by Shubham Sharma and Upendra Yadav, has put them on the brink of the Duleep Trophy final. Their commanding lead against West Zone sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the semifinal. Will they secure their place in the final?
Key Takeaways
- Central Zone leads by 118 runs.
- Key contributions from Sharma, Yadav, Patidar, and Dubey.
- West Zone struggled to break partnerships.
- Central Zone holds a favorable position for the final.
- Impressive bowling from Dharmendrasinh Jadeja.
Bengaluru, Sep 6 (NationPress) A strong performance from Shubham Sharma (96), Upendra Yadav (87), Rajat Patidar (77), and Harsh Dubey (75) has propelled the Central Zone closer to the 2025/26 Duleep Trophy final, ending day three of their semifinal against West Zone at 556/8 in 157 overs.
As day three concluded at the BCCI CoE Ground 2, Central Zone established a first-innings lead of 118 runs. This lead positions them favorably, as they can still advance to the final even if the match results in a draw. Saransh Jain remains unbeaten on 37, with Yash Thakur supporting him at four not out.
Despite West Zone's attempts to break through, including bowling from skipper Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal, the Central Zone batsmen continued to dominate. Although three wickets fell in the first session, Dubey and Yadav formed a critical 134-run partnership off 197 balls for the sixth wicket, solidifying their lead.
While no batsman reached a century, Central Zone's collective effort was commendable. For West Zone, Dharmendrasinh Jadeja recorded figures of 4-101, but the rest of the bowling unit struggled to find consistency.
Patidar began the day positively, achieving his fifty off 62 balls before Jadeja dismissed him, concluding a 127-run partnership with Shubham. The left-arm spinner later took out Yash Rathod for just two runs, with Ruturaj Gaikwad completing a stunning catch.
Shubham looked set for a century but fell short by four runs after a mix-up with Yadav. Nevertheless, Central Zone continued to build momentum through an aggressive partnership between Upendra and Dubey, who both contributed significantly to the lead.
Yadav reached his fifty in 84 balls, while Dubey achieved his half-century off 62 balls before both were dismissed by Shams Mulani and Jadeja. Brief rain interruptions could not diminish Central Zone’s progress, with Deepak Chahar adding quick runs with a late contribution of 33 from 52 balls. With a substantial first-innings lead established, Central Zone appears to have one foot firmly in the final.
Brief scores:
West Zone 438 all out in 108 overs (Ruturaj Gaikwad 184; Harsh Dubey 3-118) trail Central Zone 556/8 in 157 overs (Shubham Sharma 96, Upendra Yadav 87; Dharmendrasinh Jadeja 4-93, Arzan Nagwaswalla 1-53) by 118 runs
Point of View
The Central Zone's performance showcases the depth of talent in Indian cricket. Their ability to build partnerships and maintain a strong lead highlights their potential as a formidable contender. As the tournament progresses, it's evident that consistency and teamwork will be crucial for success.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current score in the Duleep Trophy semifinal?
Central Zone has scored 556/8 in 157 overs, leading West Zone by 118 runs.
Who were the top performers for Central Zone?
Shubham Sharma (96), Upendra Yadav (87), Rajat Patidar (77), and Harsh Dubey (75) were the top scorers.
What does Central Zone need to do to reach the final?
Central Zone can advance to the final even if the match ends in a draw due to their first-innings lead.
How did West Zone perform in the first innings?
West Zone was all out for 438 runs, with Ruturaj Gaikwad scoring 184 runs.
What is the significance of the Duleep Trophy?
The Duleep Trophy is a prestigious first-class cricket tournament in India, showcasing regional teams.
