Duleep Trophy: Ankit, Dhull tons all but seal North’s SF spot; Central lead by 678 runs

Centuries from captain Ankit Kumar and Yash Dhull powered North Zone to a dominant position against East Zone, finishing Day Three of their Duleep Trophy quarterfinal at 388/2 in 90 overs at the BCCI COE Ground 1 in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Ankit was unbeaten on 168 off 264 balls (16 fours, one six) and shared a massive 240-run stand with Dhull, who struck 133 off 157 balls with 14 fours and three sixes. The partnership helped North Zone extend their lead to a commanding 563 runs.

Advertisement

Ayush Badoni added to East Zone’s woes with an unbeaten 56 off 78 balls, while opener Shubham Khajuria chipped in with 25. Earlier, North Zone opted against enforcing the follow-on and steadily piled on runs against a toothless attack missing pacer Mukesh Kumar due to a hamstring concern.

Dhull’s aggressive strokeplay against spinners Riyan Parag and Manishi saw him reach his fifty off 49 balls before completing his century in 112 deliveries. Ankit, more patient, brought up his ton in 155 balls before raising 150. Dhull eventually fell lbw to Parag after tea, but North remained firmly on top.

Rohit, Shubman in attendance

Among those in attendance during the day were India stars Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Yashasvi Jaiswal and others, watching a day that belonged entirely to the North Zone batters.

Shubham’s century hands Central Zone massive lead

Central Zone extended their lead against North East Zone to 678 runs, courtesy a superb effort from Shubham Sharma (122) and brisk half centuries from skipper Rajat Patidar (66) and Yash Rathod (78) to reach 331/7 at stumps on Day three of the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal being played at the BCCI COE Ground B.

After bowling out the opposition for a meagre 185 (overnight 168/7), Central Zone opted against enforcing the follow-on, but lost three quick wickets with just 48 on the board. Thereafter, Shubham joined hands with Patidar to consolidate their lead with a 122-run fourth wicket partnership before the CZ skipper was dismissed while attempting to up the ante.

Patidar’s dismissal brought in Rathod, who continued the onslaught in equal intensity against the North East bowlers. At the other end, Shubham went on piling misery on the opposition by bringing up his second successive century in the format after he ended the last season with 208 against UP in the Ranji Trophy, and with that Central Zone’s lead swelled over 600.

However, towards the end of the day’s play, the NEZ got some respite with three quick wickets. It started when, in the 76th over, Shubham edged behind before Rathod, on the first ball of the 81st over, nailed a drive to the cover fielder. Two deliveries later, a mix-up cost Aditya Thakare his wicket. Deepak Chahar, at the other end, went back undefeated on 21.