North Zone asserted their dominance over the East Zone in the Duleep Trophy at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground. Resuming at 308 /6, North Zone extended their innings to 405 all out, led by Kanhaiya Wadhawan's 76. In response, East Zone faltered early, and despite Virat Singh's fighting 69, they were bowled out for 230. Auqib Nabi's five-wicket haul sparked a dramatic collapse, giving North Zone a commanding first innings lead of 175 runs.
Wadhawan Steers North Zone to a Big Total
The morning began with North Zone looking to push past 400, Mayank Dagar fell early without adding to his overnight 28, putting the onus on Wicket-keeper batter Kanhaiya Wadhawan. Calm and composed, Wadhawan took command of the innings, carefully rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries. At the other end, Auqib Nabi contributed ( 44 off 33 balls ), quick runs ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking.
The partnership between Wadhawan and Nabi added 66 crucial runs, combining patience with timely aggression. Wadhawan's 76 off 152 balls, featuring six crisp boundaries, showcased his maturity and concentration under pressure. His innings matches at average above 44.
Despite North Zone reaching 405, East Zone's left-arm spinner Manishi shone his prowess, including three wickets on Day 2. He took his maiden five-wicket haul in first-class cricket, keeping East Zone's hopes alive, showing that a fightback was still possible.
East Zone's Fight and Sudden Collapse
Chasing a big Total, East Zone started shaky note. Two of their top three batters fell for single-digit scores leaving the side under immediate pressure. Utkarsh Singh (38) and Captain Riyan Parag (39) tried to stabilize the innings but failed to convert starts into substantial scores. A flicker of hope came in the form of a fifth-wicket partnership of 66 runs between Virat Singh and Kumar Kushagra. Virat Singh's 69, studded with seven boundaries and two sixes, gave Easy Zone fans something to cheer.
However, North Zone's pace sensation Auqib Nabi changed the course of the game in just 10.1 overs for 28 runs. He triggered a stunning collapse, leaving East Zone reeling. Support from Harshit Rana (2/56), Arshdeep Singh (1/51 ), spinners Nishant Sindhu (1/19) and Mayank Dagar (1/41) ensured that East Zone could not recover, despite glimpses of resistance.
North Zone in Commanding Heading Into Day 3
By the close of play, East Zone was blown out for 230, giving North Zone a commanding first-innings lead of 175 runs. Virat Singh's gritty 69 was the lone bright spot in an otherwise disappointing innings for East Zone. North Zone, with the batting depth and lethal bowling attack, now looks poised to press for victory on Day 3. The match promises more drama in the East Zone.