Duleep Trophy 2026 final, day one: Indian World Cup winner slams hundred after Sooryavanshi dominates Siraj

Duleep Trophy Final, Day One: Kishan's Ton & Sooryavanshi's Over Bomb Put East Zone On Top

What a day at Chepauk! East Zone raced to a commanding position against South Zone in the first Duleep Trophy final in 14 years, finishing day one at a strong total.

Kishan Takes Control

Skipper Ishan Kishan was the standout performer, finishing unbeaten on 111 off 135 (14 fours, 2 sixes) — his 10th first-class ton in just 67 games. He also crossed the 4,000-run mark in first-class cricket, a nice milestone.

He's currently batting alongside Kumar Kushagra (63 off 75), and the duo has added 144 for the 5th wicket.

Sooryavanshi Stars Early

Even before Kishan arrived, teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stole the show, targeting fast bwl Mohammed Siraj hard — smashing him for 14 runs in a single over in the first session.

Sooryavanshi and Abhimanyu Easwaran gave East Zone a flying start, adding 100 in 14.4 overs. So dominance that South Zone skipper Tilak Varma was forced to pack the boundary with five fielders! Sooryavanshi went down for 44 (cham Milind), and Easwaran fell for 72.

Siraj's Off Day

Siraj, brought in to strengthen South Zone's attack, had a tough outing — leaking 96 runs in 14 overs.

Watch Out: Over Rate Issue

South Zone bowlers only managed 79 overs for the day due to a poor over rate — they even got an official warning after bowling just 4 overs in 24 minutes.

East Zone look firmly in control heading into day two. 👀

Who do you think takes this final? Drop your thoughts!

Source: Wisden