East Zone concluded their 13-year wait for a place in the Duleep Trophy final by defeating Central Zone by four wickets in Bengaluru on Day 3 of the semifinal. The match saw East Zone scoring 266 and 162 for 6, while Central Zone managed 266 and 158 in their respective innings. The victory came as a result of strong performances from both young and experienced players in the team.

Central Zone’s innings was not easily contended, with East Zone needing to chase down a target of 159. Despite some challenges, including the loss of key wickets, East’s determination saw them through to a significant win.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Shines with Bat and Leadership

At the centre of East Zone’s performance was fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who made notable contributions in both innings. After a remarkable 92 in the first innings, he added a brisk 40 during the chase, effectively setting the pace for the team. His dismissal, caught by Central Zone captain Rajat Patidar, did pose a slight concern, but East Zone had built a solid foundation by that point.

Sooryavanshi formed a crucial opening partnership of 61 runs alongside Abhimanyu Easwaran, with both players navigating early threats from the bowling attack. Easwaran’s experience was vital; he scored 69 in the first innings and provided the stability needed during the chase, ensuring that the momentum created by Sooryavanshi was not wasted.

In the final stages, Ishan Kishan took on the role of a senior player after recovering from an injury sustained while keeping. He played a decisive knock of 39 not out to guide East Zone to the finish line. Mohammed Shami also played a supporting role, remaining unbeaten on eight runs as East clinched the match.

Dominant Bowling Performance Secures the Win

The bowlers were instrumental in laying the groundwork for East Zone’s victory. Central Zone, the defending champions, were bowled out for 158 in their second innings, having gone to bed on the second day at 45 for 3. Mukesh Kumar led the bowling attack, claiming four wickets for 44 runs, while Mohammed Shami took three for 56. Mukesh’s overall performance in the match earned him the Player of the Match award.

The Central Zone collapse left East Zone with a manageable target of 159 runs, but the historical significance of reaching the finals after a long wait added pressure. The first innings had concluded with both teams scoring 266, showcasing the competitive nature of the match. Central’s Rinku Singh had previously contributed to their efforts with a solid score of 60 runs.

With this victory, East Zone has now advanced to the final, where they will face the winner of the second semifinal between North and South Zone, scheduled to take place in Chennai next week. The team’s resurgence in the tournament signifies their return to form and competitive spirit after over a decade.

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