South Zone's Ankit Sharma and Andre Siddarth delivered a gritty masterclass in resilience, forging a 192-run seventh-wicket partnership to haul their side back from the brink, but Central Zone remain on the cusp of claiming their first Duleep Trophy title in 11 years. With just 65 runs needed for victory on the final day, Central's bowlers turned the tide late in the fourth day to leave South's hopes hanging by a thread.

Resuming at 129 for two, South endured a shaky morning session but fought valiantly before succumbing for 426 in their second innings—a slender 64-run lead. Spinners Kumar Kartikeya (4/110) and Saransh Jain (3/130) orchestrated the collapse, sharing seven wickets to dismantle the lower order after the heroic duo's efforts.

Ankit's near-century (99 off 168 balls) epitomized unyielding defense, as he absorbed relentless pressure from Central's pacers Deepak Chahar and Kuldeep Sen. The left-hander's broad bat and steely resolve neutralized bouncers and sharp inswingers, while he shrugged off close shaves against the spinners' subtle turn. At 34, Ankit's composure was a beacon amid the chaos.

Also Read: Shardul Thakur: Breaks Vital to Maintain Year-Round Fitness

Complementing him was the precocious Siddarth, who remained unbeaten on 84 from 190 balls, displaying maturity well beyond his 19 years. Echoing the crisis-handling prowess of his uncle, former Tamil Nadu batter and current national selector Sridharan Sridhar, the young right-hander blended steadfast occupation of the crease with flashes of flair—crisp flicks and drives punctuating his vigil.

Their unbroken 86-run session after lunch swelled South's total from a dire 222 for six—141 runs short of avoiding an innings defeat—to a competitive platform. Central's frustration mounted as the pair methodically accumulated without alarm bells.

Tragedy struck in the dying overs when Ankit, agonizingly on 99, attempted a rare aggressive swipe against Kartikeya, only to sky a simple catch to skipper Rajat Patidar at cover. The floodgates opened: Central swiftly mopped up the tail, claiming the last three wickets in a flurry to cap South's resistance.

The morning had been brutal for South, who lost four wickets while adding 120 runs and teetered on the edge of an innings loss. Ricky Bhui (45) edged Chahar to Shubham Sharma in the slips, while overnight partner Ravichandran Smaran (67) reached his fifty before perishing to a mistimed sweep off Kartikeya, caught by Yash Rathod in the deep.

Skipper Mohammed Azharuddeen (27) survived two dropped chances off Kartikeya—on 19 and 27—before holing out to a pull shot against Sen at mid-on. Salman Nizar (12) followed suit, trapped by Kartikeya, setting the stage for Ankit and Siddarth's redemption arc.

With a modest chase ahead on a wearing pitch, Central—led by Patidar—eye a straightforward finish on Monday. Yet South's defiant stand ensures the finale promises intrigue, as the perennial contenders bid to thwart their rivals' long-awaited triumph.

Also Read: Dubey, Upendra Give Central Zone Crucial First-Innings Lead in Duleep Semi