Bengaluru, Sep 12 (UNI) Central Zone tightened their grip on the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone, riding on superb centuries from Yash Rathod and Rajat Patidar to finish the second day at an imposing 384 for five in 104 overs at the Centre of Excellence Grounds today .
Resuming at 50 without loss, Central made steady progress in the morning session. Opener DV Malewar, who started on 28 overnight, reached a composed half-century (50 off 113 balls, 5 fours).
South Zone, however, struck back with three wickets before lunch. Malewar, Patidar, and skipper AV Wadkar ensured the early momentum was not lost, guiding the team to 152 for three at the interval, with Patidar unbeaten on 44.
The post-lunch session belonged to Patidar and Rathod. Displaying positive intent, Patidar compiled a fluent 101 off just 115 deliveries, peppered with 12 boundaries and two sixes. He and Rathod added 150 runs for the fourth wicket, wearing down the South Zone bowlers, who had taken the second new ball but failed to extract much assistance.
After Patidar’s dismissal soon after reaching his ton, Rathod assumed full responsibility for the innings. Patient and composed, the left-hander converted his steady start into a fine hundred (off 132 balls, 9 fours). Alongside Shubham Jain, who played an intelligent supporting role with 47 not out, Rathod dominated the evening session. The duo put on an unbroken 128-run stand for the sixth wicket, defying South’s bowlers even as they tried to exploit the fading light with the new ball.
South Zone had some opportunities to break partnerships but were thwarted by unsuccessful DRS reviews against Malewar and later against Jain. Umpire J Madanagopal’s calls stood firm, frustrating the bowlers.
By stumps, Central’s batting card reflected a day of resilience and enterprise: Rathod unbeaten on 137, Jain holding firm at 47, and five wickets still in hand. The platform is now set for the side to push beyond 450 tomorrow, a total that would leave South Zone chasing the game.
The pitch at Chinnaswamy has played true so far, offering minimal assistance to the bowlers. With two set batsmen at the crease and depth still to come, Central Zone are well placed to dictate terms on the third day, while South will hope for early breakthroughs to prevent the deficit from becoming insurmountable.
Scoreboard at stumps, Day 2
Central Zone – 384/5 in 104 overs (YV Rathod 137*, SS Jain 47*, R Patidar 100, DV Malewar 50; extras 9) vs South Zone.
