South Zone strengthened its position in the Duleep Trophy semifinal against North Zone after captain Tilak Varma scored an unbeaten 106 on the second day in Bengaluru. South Zone reached 285 for nine at stumps, securing a crucial 90-run first-innings lead after North Zone were dismissed for 195. Tilak's patient knock came off 225 deliveries and included seven boundaries, providing stability during a difficult innings.

South Zone had resumed at 40 for two but quickly slipped into trouble as Gurnoor Brar produced an impressive spell. Brar claimed three wickets in the opening session, leaving South Zone struggling at 80 for five. N Jagadeesan was dismissed for 36, while R Smaran departed after making 27 from 35 balls. Kodimela Himateja was also dismissed for a duck, putting North Zone in a strong position.

Tilak then combined with Shreyas Gopal to change the course of the innings. The pair added 175 runs for the sixth wicket, with Gopal adopting an attacking approach while Tilak concentrated on occupying the crease. Tilak reached his half-century patiently and continued to anchor the innings as South Zone recovered from its difficult start.

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Gopal eventually fell for 87 from 169 balls after hitting 11 boundaries. Arshdeep Singh produced the breakthrough by inducing an outside edge that was taken by Abdul Samad at slip. North Zone then picked up further wickets as Anshul Kamboj dismissed Tanay Thyagarajan for six, while Arshdeep removed Vidwath Kaverappa.

Tilak remained composed despite the late collapse and continued batting with Kavuri Saiteja. He reached his century without being dismissed, having faced 225 balls and struck seven fours. His innings ensured that South Zone retained a significant advantage heading into the next phase of the semifinal, despite losing wickets around him.

At the close of play, North Zone were 90 runs behind South Zone, who stood at 285 for nine after 94 overs. Gurnoor Brar finished with four wickets for North Zone, while Arshdeep Singh and Anshul Kamboj claimed two wickets each. Tilak's unbeaten century and his partnership with Gopal have placed South Zone in a strong position as the semifinal progresses.

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