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Key Points

Rajat Patidar announced his return to competitive cricket with a spectacular century in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal. The RCB captain smashed 125 runs off just 96 balls, including 21 boundaries and three sixes. He formed a massive partnership with young sensation Danish Malewar who remained unbeaten on 198. Central Zone finished the day completely dominant at 432/2 after 77 overs of play.

Key Points: Rajat Patidar Slams 80-Ball Duleep Trophy Century for Central Zone

  • Patidar's explosive 125 runs came from just 96 deliveries
  • Central Zone dominated day at 432/2 against North East Zone
  • Danish Malewar remained unbeaten on 198 from 219 balls
  • Partnership of 200+ runs devastated NEZ bowling attack
2 min read

Duleep Trophy: Rajat Patidar kickstarts campaign with 80-ball ton for Central Zone

RCB captain Rajat Patidar smashes 125 off 96 balls in Duleep Trophy quarterfinal, forming 200-run stand with Danish Malewar who remains unbeaten on 198.

"Patidar smashed 125 in 96 balls, with 21 fours and three sixes at a strike rate of almost 130. - Match Report"

Bengaluru, August 28

Madhya Pradesh and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stalwart Rajat Patidar kick-started his Duleep Trophy campaign in the quarterfinals with an 80-ball century for Central Zone against North East Zone in Bengaluru on Thursday.

Patidar, appointed as captain of the side with wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel ruled out, smashed 125 in 96 balls, with 21 fours and three sixes at a strike rate of almost 130.

NEZ won the toss and elected to field first and had their opponets at 4/1, with Aayush Pandey (3) dismissed by Akash Choudhary, the right-armed pacer.

At number three walked Danish Malewar, who had compiled 153 and 73 for Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy final this season against Kerala in a winning effort. The 21-year-old put a stand of 139 runs with wicketkeeper-batter Aryan Juyal (60 in 100 balls, with eight fours) and NEZ was left without answers to this onslaught.

After Juyal was retired hurt at 143/1, Patidar walked in to add to NEZ's woes, having a double-century partnership with Malewar, who ended the day unbeaten at 198* in 219 balls, with 35 fours and a six, striking at above 90.

Central Zone ended their day at 432/2 in 77 overs, with Akash and Pheiroijam Jotin (1/56) getting a wicket each.

Patidar, who could compile just 63 runs in three Tests against England at home last year and played his solitary ODI in 2023-end against South Africa, scoring a quickfire 22, has had a 2025 to dream off, leading a star-studded RCB unit to their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title as a captain. This match was his first competitive game since the final against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in June. Patidar had a decent season with the bat, scoring 312 runs in 14 innings with two fifties at an average of 24.00 and a strike rate of above 143. His leadership skills and equation with legendary batter Virat Kohli stood out in the tournament.

Vidarbha's Malewar has had an impressive start to his first-class career, playing his 10th FC game, scoring 981 runs at an average of over 61, with three centuries and six fifties in 16 innings so far. In the Ranji Trophy winning season, he made 783 runs in nine matches and 15 innings at an average of 52.20, with two centuries and six fifties, with best score of 153.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
But let's not forget Danish Malewar! 198* is absolutely sensational from the young lad. Vidarbha's Ranji hero continuing his dream run. Future of Indian cricket looks bright with such talents!
A
Aman W
Strike rate of 130 in first-class cricket? That's T20 stuff! Patidar is making a strong case for national team comeback. Perfect for modern cricket requirements.
S
Sarah B
While the batting was exceptional, I'm concerned about NEZ's bowling attack. 432/2 in 77 overs suggests they need better resources. Duleep Trophy should be more competitive.
V
Vikram M
Patidar's IPL captaincy experience showing here. Leading from the front when the team needed him most. That partnership with Malewar must have been spectacular to watch!
K
Karthik V
21 fours and 3 sixes in 96 balls! That's pure domination. Hope he continues this form and gets another chance in the Indian team. We need such aggressive middle-order batters.

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