Chennai, September 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Captain Ishan Kishan struck an unbeaten century to lead East Zone to a commanding 385/4 at stumps on the opening day of the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.
Kishan remained unbeaten on 111, while wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra was also not out on 63 as the pair added an unbeaten 144-run partnership from 160 balls to completely dominate the final session.
East Zone made 139 runs in 25 overs after reaching 246/4 at tea, finishing the day at a brisk scoring rate of 5.56 runs per over. Earlier, Shikhar Mohan contributed 85 and Abhimanyu Easwaran made 72, while teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi entertained the Chepauk crowd with a rapid 44 off 37 balls.
Sooryavanshi initially played cautiously before unleashing a range of attacking strokes. His contest with Mohammed Siraj was particularly entertaining, with the 15-year-old hitting the senior pacer for three fours and a six from the 12 balls he faced.
Chama V Milind eventually dismissed Sooryavanshi with a short delivery, while Easwaran’s 72 helped East reach 133/2 by lunch from 27 overs.
South turned to spin from both ends in the second session, but Mohan handled the challenge effectively before Milind dismissed him with a short-ball tactic just 15 runs short of his century.
Kishan then took control alongside Kushagra, with the duo capitalising on a tiring South attack in the final session.
South’s bowling figures reflected East’s dominance. Siraj endured an expensive outing, conceding 96 runs in 14 overs without taking a wicket. He operated largely in the mid-120 kph range and did not cross 135 kph for most of his spell.
Tripurana Vijay conceded 114 runs in 22 overs but claimed one wicket, while Milind emerged as South’s most effective bowler with 2/56 from 13 overs.
East Zone will resume on 385/4, with Kishan and Kushagra firmly in control heading into the second day.
Brief scores: East Zone 385/4 in 79 overs (Ishan Kishan 111*, Shikhar Mohan 85, Abhimanyu Easwaran 72, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 44; Chama V Milind 2/56, Tripurana Vijay 1/114) vs South Zone.
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