In the first semi-final of the Duleep Trophy held in Bengaluru, young batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi played a stellar knock of 92 runs for East Zone against Central Zone, though his efforts could not prevent a batting collapse as the team was restricted to 266 runs. On the second day of the match, the 15-year-old Suryavanshi created a record by becoming the youngest batsman to score a half-century in the Duleep Trophy. However, the innings unraveled drastically as East Zone lost all 10 of their wickets for a mere 105 runs, with the final five wickets tumbling within the span of just 53 runs.
Even First Innings Scores and Middle Order Struggles
The first-innings totals for both teams ended dead even, as Central Zone had earlier posted exactly 266 runs in their first innings. Captain Ishan Kishan (16) and all-rounder Anukul Roy (16), who returned to the field after picking up an injury on Sunday, failed to rescue the side from troubled waters. By stumps on the second day, Central Zone had reached 45 for 3 in their second innings. Aman Mokhade (23) and Aryan Pande (04) were at the crease when play was called. Just minutes before stumps, fast bowler Mukesh Kumar struck a crucial blow by dismissing Central Zone captain Rajat Patidar.
Suryavanshi Nears Tendulkar's Record and Builds a Strong Stand
The young left-hander from Bihar displayed immense grit and composure during his 81-ball knock. He brought up his second first-class half-century by launching Indian off-spinner Jain for a massive six over mid-wicket. Had Suryavanshi reached a century, he would have broken the record for the youngest centurion in first-class cricket. During this explosive knock, Suryavanshi combined with Abhimanyu Easwaran to stitch together a magnificent 161-run opening partnership. Easwaran played a steady hand, scoring 69 runs off 106 deliveries.
Bowling Breakthroughs and East Zone's Collapse
Shortly after dismissing Suryavanshi, Dubey struck on the very next ball to catch Kumar Kushagra at slip off the bowling of Aman Mokhade. Soon after, Easwaran was trapped lbw by Pande. Pande delivered a sharp double-strike by removing Virat Singh (05) and Sudip Kumar Gharami (25) in the span of just three balls, plunging East Zone into deep trouble at 213 for 5. Instead of weathering the storm with caution, the subsequent batsmen attempted to break the shackles with aggressive strokes, playing right into the hands of the Central Zone bowlers who made quick work of the remaining batting lineup.
