Can Central Zone Secure Victory with Just 65 Runs Needed?
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Synopsis
In an intense showdown at the Duleep Trophy final, Central Zone is on the brink of victory, requiring only 65 runs. With a remarkable fightback from South Zone, the stage is set for an exhilarating finish. Will Central Zone claim the title, or can South Zone stage a miraculous comeback?
Key Takeaways
- Central Zone requires only 65 runs for victory.
- Ankit Sharma scored 99 runs before getting out.
- The seventh-wicket partnership was pivotal for South Zone.
- Central Zone's bowlers performed excellently, especially Kumar Kartikeya Singh.
- Excitement builds as we head into Day Five!
Bengaluru, Sep 14 (NationPress) Central Zone requires just 65 runs to claim the title in the 2025/26 Duleep Trophy after successfully bowling out South Zone for 426 in their second innings during Day Four of the final at Ground 1 of the BCCI CoE Excellence on Sunday.
The prospect of a thrilling finish on Day Five was largely due to a resilient seventh-wicket partnership of 192 runs between Ankit Sharma and C. Andre Siddarth. Initially, Central Zone appeared set for an innings victory, reducing South Zone to 222/6 before lunch, holding a substantial lead of 140 runs.
However, Ankit and Siddarth mounted a commendable resistance, rekindling South Zone's chances of clinching the final with their extraordinary defensive play. Despite Ankit narrowly missing a century with a score of 99, a dramatic collapse in the last half hour of Day Four placed Central Zone in a promising position to secure the trophy.
As South Zone lost their final four wickets for just 12 runs, Siddarth remained unscathed at 84. Starting from 129/2, Ricky Bhui contributed 45 runs before being dismissed by Deepak Chahar. Smaran Ravichandran reached his half-century off 70 balls, despite the wickets tumbling around him.
Mohammed Azharuddeen added some urgency with 27 off 40 balls before falling to Kumar Kartikeya Singh. Salman Nizar briefly counterattacked with 12 off 17 balls before succumbing to Kartikeya, who then dismissed Smaran for 67. With South Zone still trailing, Ankit and Siddarth took control.
The pair maintained a balanced approach against Kartikeya and Saransh Jain until lunch. Post-break, they continued with their aggressive strategy, avoiding the humiliation of an innings loss. Their hopes were dashed when Kartikeya dismissed Ankit for 99, leading to a swift fall of wickets as Central Zone is now on the verge of becoming Duleep Trophy champions.
Brief scores:
South Zone 149 and 426 all out in 121 overs (Ankit Kumar 99, Andre Siddarth 84 not out, Kumar Kartikeya Singh 4-110, Saransh Jain 3-130) trail Central Zone 511 in 145.1 overs (Yash Rathod 194; Gurjapneet Singh 4-124) by 64 runs.
Point of View
It is essential to highlight the resilience shown by both teams in this gripping Duleep Trophy final. While Central Zone appears favored to win, the determination of South Zone reflects the unpredictable and thrilling nature of cricket. The upcoming Day Five promises to be a nail-biter, showcasing the spirit of the game.
NationPress
14/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the Duleep Trophy final?
Central Zone needs 65 runs to win the final against South Zone, who were bowled out for 426.
Who were the standout players on Day Four?
Ankit Sharma and C. Andre Siddarth formed a crucial partnership, with Ankit scoring 99 runs.
What is the significance of this match?
The match determines the champion of the prestigious Duleep Trophy for the 2025/26 season.
