Duleep Trophy 2026 Final: Ishan's Unbeaten Century Helps East Zone Put Up Strong Day 1 Show Against South

East Zone Dominate Day 1 of Duleep Trophy Final as Ishan Tones to ton 🏏

Chennai: What a Day 1 at Chepauk. East Zone have walked into a commanding position in the Duleep Trophy 2026 Final, largely thanks to a rock-solid innings from captain Ishan Kishan.

The headline act

Ishan went in on a hundred and came out unbeaten on **111*, steering East to 385/4 in 79 overs at stumps. The MA Chidambaram pitch was helping the bat, and the skipper controlled the tempo brilliantly. He wasn't alone though—WK-batter Kumar Kushagra backed him up with an unbeaten 63**, and the pair shared a crucial unbeaten stand.

The supporting cast

Not many had heard of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi before today, but the 15-year-old sensation made sure they have now. He tucked away a stroke-filled 44 from 37 balls, including a memorable battle with senior international Mohammed Siraj—lining him up for three fours and a six off 12 balls before Chama V Milind clean-bowled him with a short ball. A bright future, for sure.

Also on the score sheet: Shikhar Mohan 85, Abhimanyu Easwaran 72, and Ishan's captain's knock.

What caught my eye (as a doc)

Siraj's return to the crease wasn't his usual self—he never touched 135 kph, stayed in the mid-120s, and leaked 96 runs at 6.90 econ without a wicket across 14 overs. When a fast bowler's dropping under 135 kph, it's usually a red flag for fatigue or a bad spell; worth watching his workload going forward.

Session-by-session

- First session: 133/2 in 27 overs before lunch—East set the tone.

- Second session: Spin from both ends, but Mohan weathered it.

- Final session: The real steal. A 144-run unbeaten partnership off 160 balls, zero wickets lost. From 246/4 at tea to a strong close.

Brief scores: East Zone 385/4 (79 ov) — Ishan Kishan 111*, Kushagra 63*, Mohan 85, Easwaran 72; Milind 25-6, Vijay 11-14 for South.

Day 2 promises more of the same if the bat keeps ruling at Chepauk. Will South's bowlers find answers? 🤔

Source: IANS

Source: Cricketnmore