Bengaluru, Sep 4 (UNI) Ruturaj Gaikwad’s scintillating century guided West Zone to a commanding position on the opening day of the Duleep Trophy 2025-26 second semifinal against Central Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground B here today.
Electing to bat after winning the toss, West Zone overcame an early collapse to finish at 363 for 6 in 87 overs, thanks largely to Gaikwad’s innings of 184 runs off 206 balls, studded with 25 fours and a six.
West Zone’s top order was under immediate pressure as Khaleel Ahmed and Deepak Chahar troubled the batsmen with disciplined pace and movement.
Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for 4, trapped lbw by Khaleel in just the third ball of the innings. Harvik Desai followed shortly after, caught at first slip off Chahar, and Shreyas Iyer fell for 25, leaving West Zone at 137 for 4.
Into this early storm stepped Gaikwad, who first steadied the innings and then gradually accelerated against both pace and spin. His knock included a patient start, reaching his fifty off 85 balls, and a well-paced century off 131 balls.
Post-lunch, he launched an aggressive assault on the bowlers, bringing up 150 in just 178 deliveries, with a flurry of elegant drives, cuts, and an audacious upper cut for six over the slips.
Supporting Gaikwad, Aarya Desai provided initial stability, but it was Tanush Kotian’s composure that helped West Zone capitalize fully, as the pair stitched a 148-run stand for the sixth wicket. Kotian remained unbeaten on 65, while captain Shardul Thakur finished the day on 24 not out, ensuring West Zone had momentum heading into day two.
Central Zone had moments of brilliance with Khaleel and Chahar making early inroads, but Gaikwad’s innings turned the tide decisively. Khaleel finished with figures of 2 for 70, while Chahar also picked up crucial wickets. The West Zone innings showcased a mix of resilience and attacking intent, reflecting Gaikwad’s experience and composure under pressure.
With the first innings now in the balance, Central Zone will look to respond strongly on day two, relying on their pace battery of Khaleel, Chahar, and Yash Thakur to put West Zone under pressure and set up a contest for the final.
West Zone: 363/6 (Ruturaj Gaikwad 184, Tanush Kotian 65 not out; Khaleel Ahmed 2-70)
Central Zone: Yet to bat
The stage is set for an intriguing day two as Central Zone seeks breakthroughs and West Zone aims to build a match-winning lead.
