270 and 80: Ishan Kishan continues scintillating form to take East Zone on the verge of Duleep Trophy title

Ishan Kishan's Double Century Puts East Zone Within a Step of Duleep Glory

What a day for Ishan Kishan—the man just won't stop scoring. His magnificent 270 had East Zone posting a monstrous 708 in their first inn, the third-highest total in any Duleep Trophy final ever. That's a 372-run cushion over South Zone, and it's got the title feeling like a formality already.

South Zone looked dead and buried at 336 all out in reply. Captain Tilak Varma was their beacon, edging a brilliant 99 before lobbing the final ball back to Siraj one run short. Siraj himself put in a shift to hold the end up but became the ninth wicket down in the 107th over.

Back at the crease, East Zone's Kishan wasn't done shining. He clocked another quick-fire 80 off 98 balls—9 fours and 3 sixes—after Shikhar Mohan's steady 52 got things rolling following early hiccups from Easwaran and Sooryavanshi.

They finished Day Four on 2125 with a staggering 584-run lead. South Zone face a target so huge it's practically scientific fiction. Win this and it's East Zone's first title in 14 years—their third overall, joining those consecutive crowns back in 2011/12 and 2012/13.

One thing's clear: the kitchen's probably already prepping for a victory feast. 🏏

Source: Wisden