East Zone established complete control over South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final taking place at the Chepauk Cricket Stadium in Chennai. Out-of-favor Indian pacer Mohammed Shami delivered a bowling masterclass on a flat deck, troubling South Zone batters and pulling his side into a dominant position. While other frontline bowlers struggled to find assistance from the surface, Shami exploited the conditions effectively to extract movement and wickets.
Ishan Kishan Leads from the Front with 270 as East Zone Posts 708
East Zone captain Ishan Kishan won the toss and opted to bat first on a batting-friendly Chepauk pitch. The decision yielded massive dividends as East Zone accumulated an imposing first-innings total of 708 runs. Ishan Kishan anchored the innings with a double century, scoring 270 runs. His aggressive yet composed knock put South Zone under immediate pressure and set the foundation for East Zone's total control of the final.
South Zone Bowlers Struggle as Mohammed Siraj Goes Wicketless
In response to East Zone's relentless batting, the South Zone bowling attack endured a punishing time in the field. Indian international fast bowler Mohammed Siraj was unable to break through, sending down 25 overs while conceding 140 runs without taking a wicket. T Vijay emerged as the highest wicket-taker for South Zone by picking up 4 wickets, though he conceded 180 runs in the process. Leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal bowled a long spell of 42 overs, taking 2 wickets while giving away 165 runs.
Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar Stifle South Zone Attack
Unlike his national counterpart, Mohammed Shami produced early breakthroughs for East Zone, receiving strong seam support from Mukesh Kumar. Shami picked up a combined total of 7 wickets across both innings in the final, demonstrating control and seam presentation on a flat pitch. This performance follows his strong showing in the semifinal against Central Zone, where he secured 5 wickets across both innings. Shami's bowling in the Duleep Trophy final underscores his form in red-ball domestic cricket.
