Rathod, Patidar Tons Put Central Zone in Command of Duleep Trophy Final
Centuries from Rajat Patidar and Yash Rathod powered Central Zone to a dominant position on day two of the Duleep Trophy 2025-26 final against South Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Central ended the day on 384 for 5, securing a 235-run lead after bowling South Zone out for just 149 on day one.
Resuming with a deficit of 99 runs, Central were rocked early by Vasuki Koushik, who bowled a peach to dismiss Akshay Wadkar, the ball swinging sharply to clip the off stump as Wadkar left it alone. Gurjapneet Singh then struck twice, removing Shubham Sharma with a fiery in-ducker and later dismissing Danish Malewar — who had earlier scored a gritty 53 — edging to slip.
At 93 for 3, South Zone sensed an opening, but Patidar and Rathod snuffed out any hopes of a comeback with a commanding 167-run fourth-wicket stand. Patidar, in fluent touch, brought up his 15th first-class century with a single to mid-off, making the most of an early reprieve when he was given out LBW on 44, only for replays to show bowler Ankit Sharma had overstepped.
Patidar’s innings — a 115-ball 101 — was laced with elegant drives, clever sweeps, and a six over third man. His shot placement and strike rotation put the pressure back on South. Rathod, meanwhile, built his innings steadily before shifting gears post-lunch. He brought up his seventh first-class century with a push to point and celebrated with emotion, later launching into aggressive strokes, including a powerful pull and lofted drive off Ankit Sharma.
While Patidar eventually fell gloving a leg-side delivery from Gurjapneet, and Upendra Yadav was dismissed cheaply by MD Nidheesh, Rathod remained rock solid. He finished the day unbeaten on 137, ensuring Central stayed firmly in control.
Saransh Jain provided support in the final session, capitalizing on the softening conditions. The duo added 108 runs off 32 overs in the last session, as South Zone delayed taking the second new ball until the 101st over — a move that yielded little reward.
With a first-innings lead of 235 and five wickets still in hand, Central Zone will aim to bat South out of the game on day three.
Score Summary:
South Zone: 149 all out
Central Zone: 384/5 in 108 overs (Yash Rathod 137*, Rajat Patidar 101, Danish Malewar 53; Gurjapneet Singh 3-74)
Central lead by 235 runs at stumps on Day 2.