Patidar and Rathod Centuries Put Central Zone Ahead in Duleep Trophy Final 2025
The Duleep Trophy Final 2025 saw Central Zone take firm control after brilliant centuries from Rajat Patidar and Yash Rathod. At stumps on Day 2 in Bengaluru, Central posted 384 for 5, leading South Zone by 235 runs. Their dominance has shifted the balance in the prestigious domestic clash.
Central Zone Fight Back Strongly in Duleep Trophy Final 2025
South Zone began with early breakthroughs, reducing Central to 93 for 3 in overcast conditions. Gurjapneet Singh struck twice with pace and movement, while Vasuki Koushik bowled a peach to remove Akshay Wadkar. Despite the early setback, Danish Malewar’s patient 53 steadied the innings before falling to Gurjapneet.
The situation turned when Rajat Patidar arrived. His aggressive stroke play immediately relieved pressure. Punches off the front foot and crisp drives kept the scoreboard moving. Soon after, Yash Rathod joined him to build a decisive stand.
Patidar’s Century Shifts Momentum
A fluent knock from Rajat Patidar transformed Central’s innings. He compiled 101 runs off 115 deliveries with boundaries flowing in every direction. The partnership with Rathod, worth 167 runs, frustrated South Zone bowlers. Patidar’s 15th first-class century was completed with a single to mid-off, swelling Central’s lead beyond 60. His dismissal came just after reaching the milestone, edging Gurjapneet down the leg side.
Rathod Anchors Central Zone Innings
While Patidar attacked, Yash Rathod played a composed yet effective innings. He reached his fifty with crisp strokes and later accelerated to a brilliant unbeaten 137. His celebration on reaching his seventh first-class hundred highlighted the importance of his effort. Alongside Saransh Jain, who provided late support, Rathod pushed the lead beyond 200.
Central Zone Take Commanding Lead in Duleep Trophy Final 2025
By the end of the second day, Central Zone had not only erased the first-innings deficit but also built a commanding advantage. The last session alone produced over 100 runs, with Rathod and Jain in complete control. South Zone’s bowlers struggled to extract life from the surface, even with the second new ball.
With Patidar and Rathod leading the charge, Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy Final 2025 stand well placed to push for victory. South Zone now face an uphill battle to stay alive in this contest.
