Did Central Zone Triumph Over South Zone by Six Wickets in the Duleep Trophy Final?
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Synopsis
In a nail-biting finish, Central Zone emerged victorious, defeating South Zone by six wickets in the Duleep Trophy final. This match showcased remarkable performances, including a resilient partnership that almost turned the tables for South Zone. Dive into the thrilling details of how the final day unfolded at BCCI CoE Excellence Ground 1.
Key Takeaways
- Central Zone displayed remarkable resilience in the final.
- A critical partnership helped them secure victory.
- South Zone fought hard but lacked enough runs.
- Key players made significant contributions.
- Day five showcased high tension and excitement.
Bengaluru, Sep 15 (NationPress) Central Zone navigated through some tense moments before securing a six-wicket triumph in the climax of the 2025/26 Duleep Trophy against South Zone on the fifth day at the BCCI CoE Excellence Ground 1 on Monday.
While chasing a target of 65 runs, opener Akshay Wadkar stood firm, remaining not out at 19, as wickets tumbled around him. However, South Zone simply lacked the necessary runs to give their bowlers a fighting chance.
Ankit Sharma and Gurjapneet Singh each took two wickets, with Sharma notably dismissing Central Zone's captain, Rajat Patidar.
Ultimately, it was a matter of when, not if, as Yash Rathod played a crucial role in assisting Wadkar to lead his team to victory.
The final day was set up by a remarkable seventh-wicket partnership of 192 runs between Ankit Sharma and C Andre Siddarth. Initially, Central Zone seemed poised for an innings victory, having reduced South Zone to 222/6 before lunch.
Yet, Ankit and Siddarth's resilient effort rekindled South Zone's hopes with a brilliant counterattack. After Ankit fell just short of a century, dismissed for 99, a dramatic collapse in the last half hour of day four's play positioned Central Zone favorably for the trophy.
Brief Scores: South Zone 149 & 426 in 121 overs (Ankit Kumar 99, Andre Siddarth 84 not out; Kumar Kartikeya Singh 4-110, Saransh Jain 3-130) lost to Central Zone 511 & 66/4 in 20.3 overs (Akshay Wadkar 18 not out, Yash Rathod 13 not out; Ankit Sharma 2-24) by six wickets.
Point of View
It's imperative to recognize the strategic brilliance and resilience displayed by Central Zone in this gripping final. Their ability to adapt under pressure and capitalize on South Zone's vulnerabilities highlights the competitive spirit and unpredictability of cricket. This match will be remembered for its dramatic twists and exceptional performances.
NationPress
15/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Duleep Trophy match?
Central Zone scored 511 and 66/4, while South Zone scored 149 and 426.
Who were the standout players in the match?
Akshay Wadkar and Yash Rathod played crucial roles for Central Zone, while Ankit Sharma and Andre Siddarth excelled for South Zone.
Where was the Duleep Trophy final held?
The final took place at the BCCI CoE Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru.
What led to Central Zone's victory?
A resilient performance and a vital partnership in the second innings secured Central Zone's victory.
How did South Zone perform in the match?
South Zone showed promise with a strong seventh-wicket partnership but ultimately fell short.
