Bengaluru, Aug 28 (UNI) Danish Malewar and Rajat Patidar starred as Central Zone posted a commanding 432 for two against North East Zone on the opening day of the Duleep Trophy 2025 second quarterfinal at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground B here today.
Patidar led the charge with a scintillating 125 off 96 balls, including 21 fours and two sixes, before being dismissed by Pheiroijam Jotin. His aggressive innings, coming after an early loss, set the tone for the day.
Malewar anchored the innings masterfully, remaining unbeaten on 198 off 219 balls with 35 fours and a six, guiding Central Zone into a dominant position by stumps.
Opener Aryan Juyal, who retired hurt on 60, and Yash Rathod (32 not out) provided solid support, while Aayush Pandey fell cheaply for three.
North East bowlers struggled for consistency. Akash Choudhary (1/73) accounted for an early wicket, and Jotin (1/56) dismissed Patidar, but the rest of the attack, including Palzor Tamang, Bishworjit Konthoujam, and skipper Rongsen Jonathan, could not stem the flow of runs.
At stumps, Central Zone were comfortably placed at 432/2 in 77 overs, setting the stage for a massive first-innings total.
The four-day contest continues tomorrow, with Malewar eyeing a double-century while North East Zone seeks early breakthroughs to regain control. UNI BDN SSP
