Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan produced a match-defining innings of 270 to power East Zone to a commanding 708 all out against South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.

The monumental knock placed Kishan among an elite group in the tournament’s history. He became only the third East Zone batter to score a double-century in the Duleep Trophy and the seventh overall to achieve the feat in a final, while also crossing 4,000 runs in first-class cricket.

Kishan Smashes Maiden Duleep Trophy Double-Century

Kishan dominated the South Zone attack during his 334-ball innings, hitting 30 fours and seven sixes on his way to 270. He reached his maiden Duleep Trophy double-century off 270 deliveries.

The left-handed batter initially retired hurt after reaching 250, with East Zone at 611 for five. However, he later returned to the crease and resumed his attacking innings.

Kishan’s knock eventually ended when he was caught at long-on off spinner Tripurana Vijay. By then, he had helped East Zone build a formidable first-innings total.

His innings also took him beyond the 4,000-run mark in first-class cricket.

Kishan Joins Arun Lal And Saba Karim

With his double-century, Kishan became only the third batter from East Zone to score 200 or more in the history of the Duleep Trophy.

He joined Arun Lal and former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim in the list. Lal holds the highest score among the three, having made 287 against West Zone in 1986. He also scored 214 against Central Zone in the same year.

Saba Karim remained unbeaten on 200 against West Zone in 1995.

According to an Instagram post by Star Sports India, Kishan also became the first East Zone captain-wicketkeeper to score a double-century in a Duleep Trophy final.

Kishan And Kushagra Put East Zone In Control

East Zone resumed Day 2 in a strong position at 385 for four, with Kishan and Kushagra continuing their fifth-wicket partnership from the opening day.

The pair added 230 runs for the fifth wicket to put East Zone firmly in control of the final. Kushagra reached his maiden Duleep Trophy century off 128 balls, hitting eight fours and five sixes.

He was dismissed soon after completing his century, caught in the deep off Tripurana Vijay for 101 from 132 balls.

The partnership took East Zone beyond 450 before Kishan continued the innings alongside Anukul Roy.

East Zone Crosses 700 Despite Late Wickets

Kishan continued to score freely with Anukul as East Zone moved past 500 and then 550. After Kishan’s temporary retirement at 250, Anukul contributed 45 before being dismissed leg before wicket following a review by South Zone.

Mohammed Shami added 28 before being dismissed by Shreyas Gopal as East Zone lost wickets in the final session.

Despite the late breakthroughs, South Zone’s bowlers were unable to prevent East Zone from crossing the 700-run mark. The innings eventually ended at 708 all out in 163 overs.

South Zone struggled to contain the East Zone batters throughout the innings. Mohammed Siraj, the side’s premier fast bowler, went wicketless and conceded heavily.

Chama Milind and Tripurana Vijay were the most successful bowlers for South Zone, taking two wickets each. Vijay, however, conceded more than 130 runs.

Strong Day 1 Sets Up Massive Total

East Zone had made a flying start to the final after winning the toss and electing to bat first on Saturday.

Abhimanyu Easwaran scored 72, while teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added a brisk 44. Shikhar Mohan then made 85 before Kishan took control of the innings.

Kishan was unbeaten on 111 at the close of play on Day 1, with East Zone ending the day at 385 for four.

With a batting line-up that has already piled up 708 runs, East Zone have placed South Zone under immediate pressure as the latter prepare to begin their first innings.

The Duleep Trophy final is being played from September 6 to 10 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

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