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Key Points

Central Zone secured their spot in the Duleep Trophy semifinals after their quarterfinal match against North East Zone ended in a draw. The team built an insurmountable position by declaring at 532/4 in their first innings thanks to spectacular centuries from Danish Malewar and captain Rajat Patidar. North East Zone struggled in response, getting bowled out for 185 runs despite some resistance from their middle order. Central Zone will now face West Zone in the semifinals starting September 4th.

Key Points: Central Zone Advances to Duleep Trophy Semifinals After Draw

  • Danish Malewar smashed 203 runs with 36 boundaries before retiring out
  • Captain Rajat Patidar scored 125 runs in just 96 balls including 21 fours
  • Central Zone declared at 532/4 after dominating first innings batting
  • North East Zone collapsed for 185 runs despite Karnajit Yumnam's 48
2 min read

Duleep Trophy: Central Zone moves to semifinals after clash with North East Zone ends in draw

Central Zone reaches Duleep Trophy semifinals after dominating North East Zone with massive first innings lead. Rajat Patidar and Danish Malewar shine with explosive centuries.

"Malewar retired out for 203 in 222 balls, with 36 fours and a six - Match Report"

Bengaluru, August 31

The quarterfinal fixture of the ongoing Duleep Trophy between Central Zone and North East Zone ended in a draw on Sunday, with Central Zone making it to the semifinals on the basis of their massive first innings lead.

North East Zone elected to win the toss and opted to field first. After Central Zone opener Aayush Pandey (3) was dismissed early, a 139-run stand between Danish Malewar and Aaryan Juyal (60 in 100 balls, with eight fours) kept the scoreboard ticking till Juyal retired hurt.

What followed was a massive carnage as Maleshwar had a double century partnership with skipper Rajat Patidar (125 in 96 balls, with 21 fours and three sixes), with the captain reaching the milestone in just 80 balls, playing his first competitive match after leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title.

Malewar retired out for 203 in 222 balls, with 36 fours and a six, letting Yash Rathod (87* in 108 balls, with 11 fours) and Shubham Sharma (34 in 76 balls, with two fours), get some game time and take the team to a massive 532/4 declared.

In reply, NEZ was skittled out for 185 runs in just 69.3 overs, with Karnajit Yumnam (48 in 77 balls, with eight fours and a six) and Ankur Malik (42 in 55 balls, with five fours and two sixes) being the top scorers for their side.

Aditya Thakare (3/23) led the bowling charts for Central Zone, while Khaleel Ahmed and Harsh Dubey also scooped a couple wickets each. Deepak Chahar also got a wicket.

With a healthy 347-run lead in their hands, Central Zone got to bat again. Shubham Sharma (122 in 215 balls, with 17 fours) got a promotion up the order to number three, and he made the most of it. Skipper Patidar (66 in 72 balls, with six fours and three sixes) and Yash Rathod (78 in 83 balls, with 11 fours) also got cracking half-centuries. Central Zone ended with 331/7 declared, giving their opponents 679 runs to a win, a mountain-like target.

Jehu Anderson (64 in 96 balls, with 11 fours and a six) and skipper Rongsen Jonathan (60 in 97 balls, with nine fours) showed up for NEZ with half-centuries, but at 200/6, both teams shook hands for a draw.

Dubey, Thakre and Shubham got two wickets each.

Now Central Zone will take on West Zone in the semifinal from September 4 onwards.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great to see Rajat Patidar continuing his IPL form into domestic cricket. Scoring 125 in just 96 balls after that RCB triumph shows his confidence is sky high! 💪
A
Aman W
While Central Zone deserved the win, I feel for North East Zone. They showed some fight in the second innings with those half-centuries. Hope they get more exposure against stronger teams.
S
Sarah B
Shubham Sharma had a fantastic match - 122 in second innings after contributing with the ball too. Perfect all-round performance! 👏
K
Karthik V
The bowling attack looks balanced - Thakare with 3 wickets, Khaleel and Dubey contributing. Good signs for Central Zone ahead of the semis against West Zone!
M
Michael C
Impressive batting display overall, but I think the format needs looking at. When a team scores 532/4 and then 331/7, maybe we need different rules to force a result rather than just first innings lead?
N
Neha E
Yash Rathod with 87* and 78 - consistent performance! And good to see players getting retired out to give others chance. Team spirit showing! 🇮🇳

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