Bengaluru, Aug 29 (UNI) Central Zone ended firmly in command of their Duleep Trophy quarterfinal against North East Zone at the BCCI CEG Ground B here today, as Danish Malewar’s maiden double hundred set the tone before NEZ collapsed in reply.
Resuming at an overnight score of 445 for three, Central Zone declared their innings at 532 for four. Malewar, who retired out after reaching a career-best 203, was the star of the innings, while Yash Rathod remained unbeaten on 87. Earlier, Rajat Patidar (125) and Aryan Juyal (60 retired hurt) also contributed handsomely.
In response, North East Zone’s openers gave a spirited start, adding 72 runs, but once Harsh Dubey removed opener Techi Doria and Patidar effected the run-out of Karnajit Yumnam for 48, the collapse began. NEZ slipped from a solid 128 for two to 136 for seven, losing five wickets for just eight runs.
Aditya Thakare and Harsh Dubey led the destruction with crucial strikes, while Shubham Sharma held a sharp low catch to dismiss Ashish Thapa for 35. Only Ankur Malik showed some fight with an unbeaten 31 off 44 balls, including three boundaries and two sixes, as NEZ finished the day on 168 for seven in 65 overs.
With NEZ still trailing by 364 runs and just three wickets in hand, Central Zone are on the verge of securing a decisive first-innings lead with two days remaining in the match.
Score at stumps on Day 2:
Central Zone 532/4 decl (Malewar 203 retired out, Patidar 125, Rathod 87 not out)
North East Zone 168/7 in 65 overs (Yumnam 48, Thapa 35; Dubey 2/19, Thakare 3/23).
