Duleep Trophy 2026: Kishan, Quraishi Shine As East Zone Clinch Title, End 13-year Wait

Duleep Trophy Final: East Zone Lift Title After 13-Year Drought

Chennai: East Zone are the Duleep Trophy champions once more. They clinched the trophy for the third time, beating South Zone by the first innings margin at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday — ending a 13-year wait since their last title in 2012-13.

A dominant display from the bat

East Zone posted a monstrous 708 in their first innings, with captain Ishan Kishan making a monumental double ton (270) and Kumar Kushagra contributing 101. On the final day, resuming their second innings, East Zone leaned on a maiden first-class century from Md Kounain Quraishi (116* off 190) and a solid Anukul Roy half-century (64) before declaring at 388/7 in 99.2 overs.

Kishan, still buzzing from his double century, added a quick 80 in the second innings — finishing the match with 350 runs at a healthy strike rate.

Jharkhand's influence central to the win

Jharkhand's emerging talents carried the side. Alongside Kushagra, Shikhar Mohan made an impressive debut ton (85), building on a strong domestic season. The trio were the backbone of East Zone's title triumph.

Quraishi's milestone moment

The young batter reached his maiden first-class century in the 96th over, driving pacer CV Milind to extra cover. He raised his arms in celebration as teammates lauded him from the balcony — then capped it with back-to-back sixes off spinner Tripurana Vijay. Roy's patient 64 ended when he edged a length delivery to Devdutt Padikkal at slip.

South Zone, bowled out for 336, had Tilak Varma make a fighting 99. They were also penalised five runs for a slow overrate. Mukesh Kumar took 3 wickets for 228.

Brief scores:

East Zone 708 & 388/7 (99.2 ov) — Quraishi 116*, Kishan 80 | South Zone 336 — Varma 99 | Mukesh Kumar 3/228

Source: IANS

Source: Cricketnmore