Duleep Trophy final Live: South brace for tough test after Kishan’s 270 powers East to 708

🏏 Duleep Trophy 2026-27 Final: A colossal 708 sets up a marathon test for South Zone 💃

Namaste, cricket lovers! Let me share something that left me absolutely breathless—East Zone posted a monumental 708 all out against South Zone at MA Chidambaram Stadium. It's like watching a grand Bharatanatyam recital where the finale just keeps unfolding! 🙏

The Grand Opening Act

Captain Ishan Kishan put on a spectacular solo performance, smashing a breathtaking 270 off 334 balls (30 fours & 7 sixes). This stands as the 8th-highest individual score in Duleep Trophy history! Right beside him, Kumar Kushagra added his own graceful movement with a well-crafted 101 (132 balls, 8 fours, 5 sixes)—his 6th first-class ton.

Together they turned a solid 385/4 into a staggering total. Even when Kishan briefly retired from fatigue, he returned with the same elegance to chase that elusive triple century, falling just 30 runs short. 🌟

The Supporting Cast

Mohammed Shami's quickfire 28 helped push the total past 700. South Zone's bowlers—including a disciplined Shami who took maiden overs—gave their all, but the East Zone batters simply wouldn't be contained.

Today's Performance

South Zone are 22/1 after 8 overs, chasing a jaw-dropping 709-run target. Devdutt Padikkal (fresh off a brilliant Sri Lankan tour) and Narayan Jagadeesan are at the crease. Mukesh Kumar and Shami opened with the new ball, and Ricky Bhui fell to Kumar's review (caught behind—UltraEdge confirmed!). 💪

A truly monumental task awaits—the kind that tests a team's spirit and stamina like no other. Let's see if South Zone can rise to this challenge! Who's your pick to survive this marathon test? 🏆

#DuleepTrophy #Cricket #EastZone

Source: Times of India