Patidar, Rathod Hundreds Strengthen Central’s Grip In Duleep Final

Central Zone seized control of the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone, reaching 384 for five on Day 2, thanks to commanding centuries by skipper Rajat Patidar and Yash Rathod. With a 235-run lead over South’s first innings total of 148, Central capitalised on South’s limited spin bowling options, steering the match firmly in their favour at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Patidar’s 101 off 115 balls, his 15th first-class century, and Rathod’s unbeaten 137 off 188 balls, his seventh, formed the backbone of Central’s dominance. Their 167-run fourth-wicket partnership rescued Central from a shaky 93 for three after early dismissals of openers Danish Malewar (53), Akshay Wadkar (22), and Shubham Sharma (6). Pacer Gurjapneet Singh (3/74) troubled Central early, exploiting overcast conditions, while Vasuki Koushik dismissed Wadkar. However, easing pitch conditions post-lunch allowed Patidar and Rathod to accelerate, adding 124 runs in the second session.

Patidar’s aggressive strokeplay, including a sequence of 4, 6, and 4 against leg-spinner Ricky Bhui, powered Central past South’s total. His fifty came in 73 balls, with the next fifty in just 39, before a loose pull shot ended his innings. Rathod, more measured, reached his fifty in 84 balls and century in 132, anchoring the innings alongside Saransh Jain (47 not out). Their unbroken 118-run sixth-wicket stand extended Central’s lead.

Also Read: Aaditya Thackeray Questions BJP, BCCI Over India-Pakistan Asia Cup Clash

South Zone, hampered by a lack of quality spinners, relied on part-timer Bhui to maintain over-rates but struggled to contain Central’s batting. With Central’s spinners Saransh Jain and Kumar Kartikeya having claimed nine wickets in South’s first innings, Central are poised to clinch the Duleep Trophy title as the match progresses.

Also Read: Russians Barred From Tokyo World Athletics Championships Amid Ukraine War