Rajat Patidar, Yash Rathod centuries give Central Zone strong lead in Duleep Trophy final

Yash Rathod struck a career-best 194 as Central Zone secured a commanding first-innings lead of 362 runs over South Zone, taking full control of the Duleep Trophy final at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground in Bengaluru on Saturday, 13 September.

Resuming Day 3 in a strong position at 384 for five, with Rathod unbeaten on 137, Central were eventually bowled out for 511, an hour into the post-lunch session. By stumps, South Zone had reached 129 for two in their second innings, still trailing by 233 runs, with Ravichandran Smaran (37*) and Ricky Bhui (26*) holding fort.

The day, however, belonged to Rathod, who was also last season’s highest run-scorer in the Ranji Trophy with 960 runs. He came into the final with a point to prove, having missed out on centuries against North East Zone earlier in the tournament. After scores of 87 and 78 in the quarter-final, and a modest 2 in the semi-final against West Zone, Rathod finally converted a start into a big score.