Central Zone has taken a firm grip on the 2025-26 Duleep Trophy final against South Zone, finishing Day 2 with a commanding 235-run lead after posting 384 for 5 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The twin centuries from Rajat Patidar (101 off 115 balls) and Yash Rathod (unbeaten 137) powered Central Zone’s dominant batting display, backed by a vital 53 from Danish Malewar. With South Zone bundled out for a modest 149 on Day 1, Central is now in prime position to push for an outright win[1][3].
Tactical Masterclass with the Bat
Central’s approach to Day 2 was both aggressive and controlled. Coming in with a 99-run lead, the focus was on building large partnerships and extending the lead into psychologically daunting territory. Patidar set the tone with an authoritative century, blending strike rotation with well-timed boundaries. Rathod, the standout performer, remained unbeaten on 137, showing a blend of patience and attacking flair that capitalized on the tiring South Zone bowlers while negotiating difficult conditions effectively.
Danish Malewar’s 53 was more than a support knock; it anchored the middle order’s response to South Zone’s early breakthroughs. His timing and placement helped maintain momentum, particularly against the emerging threat of Gurjapneet Singh, who bowled a probing line and length moving the ball at mid-130kph speeds[1].
Bowling Battle: South Zone’s Struggles
South Zone’s bowling unit faced a tough challenge under overcast and windy conditions usually conducive to seam movement. Their best hope came early through Vasuki Koushik, who provided one of the few moments of real wicket-taking threat by quickly removing Akshay Wadkar with a sharply moving inswinger. However, the remainder of their attack lacked the incision needed to break Central’s partnerships timely.
Gurjapneet Singh showed promise, troubling several batters with his ability to swing the ball both ways, but ultimately Central’s batsmen held firm. The lack of sustained penetration from South Zone’s bowlers left their fielders exposed and the scoreboard piling up. This failure to capitalize on favorable bowling conditions has proven costly[1].
Key Players Influencing the Game
Rajat Patidar – The Captain’s Knock
Patidar’s leadership with the bat has been exemplary. His ability to anchor innings while accelerating when needed has been a major factor in Central’s successful run chase. His prior form and experience in big-match conditions were evident as he calmly negotiated South Zone’s pace and spin attack[1][2].
Yash Rathod – The Match-Winner in Waiting
Rathod’s unbeaten 137 is arguably the innings that has tilted the match in Central’s favour. Battling South Zone’s persistence, he combined technical soundness with controlled aggression. His capacity to farm the strike and rotate the strike in partnership with Patidar demonstrates a mature temperament essential for first-class success[1].
Gurjapneet Singh – A Glimmer for South Zone
Among the South Zone bowlers, Gurjapneet Singh stands out. His pace and movement have made Central’s batsmen uncomfortable at times, and his early wickets showed promise. However, from a tactical standpoint, South Zone needs to find a way to extract more from him while supporting bowlers to build pressure[1].
Context and Impact on the Final
South Zone entered the final riding high after a commanding first innings 536 in their semifinal, bolstered by Narayan Jagadeesan’s near-double century. Central Zone’s route was marked by dominant batting performances, including Malewar’s double hundred and multiple half-centuries that set them up for this final clash[2].
With a lead of 235 runs and only five wickets down, Central can now dictate terms on Day 3. They have the option to bat on, stretch the lead beyond 350, and apply scoreboard pressure on South Zone, forcing them to bat under increasing mental and physical strain.
South Zone, led by Mohammed Azharuddeen, must find breakthroughs early on Day 3. Failure to do so could allow Central to build an insurmountable lead, leaving South Zone with the unenviable task of chasing a massive target or salvaging a draw.
Looking Ahead: Key Tactical Battles for Day 3
- Central’s Batting Strategy: Whether to consolidate and build a larger lead or declare early to maximize bowling time. Given Patidar and Rathod’s form, they can afford to bat cautiously.
- South Zone’s Bowling Plan: They must exploit any early morning conditions that favor swing and seam movement, particularly through Gurjapneet Singh and Vasuki Koushik.
- Field Placements and Pressure: South Zone needs to maintain tight fielding and aggressive catching positions to sustain pressure, forcing Central’s batsmen into mistakes.
- Mental Resilience: The psychological battle will be crucial, especially for South Zone fighting from a deep deficit. Central must maintain focus to avoid complacency.
In essence, Central Zone have taken control but the final is far from over. The next day will reveal whether South Zone can claw their way back or if Patidar and company will convert this advantage into a well-earned title[1][3]. Cricket fans can expect an intense tactical duel as the final enters its critical stages.
Source: www.espncricinfo.com