East Zone 490/5 in 106.2 Overs
Kishan was the star performer, remaining unbeaten on 111 as he continued his efforts to establish himself as a reliable red-ball batter. The left-hander reached his 10th first-class century and also completed 4,000 runs in first-class cricket. After initially taking his time, Kishan accelerated following his half-century, including hitting T Vijay for six immediately after reaching the landmark.
Kumar Kushagra provided excellent support at the other end and finished unbeaten on 63. He struck five sixes and four fours, taking particular advantage of South Zone’s short-ball tactics. The pair added 144 runs without being separated in just 26.4 overs.
East Zone had earlier received an aggressive start from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who smashed 44 off 37 deliveries. The young batter also attacked Mohammed Siraj during the pacer’s opening spell, hitting him for 4, 6 and 4 in quick succession. Abhimanyu Easwaran complemented the aggression with a fluent 72 before being run out on his 31st birthday.
Shikhar Mohan then produced an impressive 85 on his Duleep Trophy debut. Replacing Virat Singh in the XI, the Jharkhand batter looked comfortable against spin and appeared set for a century before chopping CV Milind onto his stumps.
South Zone’s bowlers struggled to contain the East batters, with Siraj finishing with expensive figures of 0/96 from 14 overs. Only 79 overs were bowled during the day, with South also falling short of the required over-rate.
East Zone, seeking their first Duleep Trophy title in 13 years, will resume with Kishan and Kushagra well set and firmly in control.
