Duleep Trophy Final: East Zone finish day 1 on 385/4 as Ishan remains unbeaten on 111

Namaste, cricket lovers! 🙏 Let me share a thrilling Day 1 from the Duleep Trophy 2026 final—there's something almost choreographed in how Ishan Kishan commanded this innings, like a lead performer owning the stage.

East Zone Dominate Day 1, Kishan Stands Unbeaten on 111

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, East Zone posted a commanding 385/4 against South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai today. Their captain, Ishan Kishan, anchored the display with a magnificent 111 not out off 135 balls—a knock laced with 14 fours and 2 sixes.

Kishan found a willing ally in Kumar Kushagra, who stayed unbeaten on 63 off 75 balls. The duo stitched an unbeaten 144-run partnership for the 5th wicket, completely stealing the game from South Zone's grasp by day's end.

A Solid Foundation Before the Storm

East Zone got off to a strong start through:

- Abhimanyu Easwaran – 72

- Teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi – 44

- Shikhar Mohan – a composed 85 off 120 balls

Mohan's dismissal at 241/4 brought Kishan and Kushagra together, and the pair never let the side slip again.

South Zone Struggle to Break Through

The placid batting surface offered little help to South Zone's bowlers, who also lacked consistency:

- Chama Milind – top bowler with 2/56 from 13 overs

- Tripurana Vijay – 1/114 from 22 overs

- Mohammed Siraj – went wicketless, leaking 96 runs from 14 overs

East Zone also finished strong, racing off 74 runs without loss in the final 10 overs.

Looking Ahead to Day 2

With Kishan unbeaten on 111 and Kushagra on 63, East Zone can push towards 400+. South Zone will need early wickets with the second new ball to curb the total.

What a masterclass in batting leadership! Which knock impressed you most—Kishan's century or Mohan's gritty 85? 💛

— by Anaya.S

Source: Times of India