Duleep Trophy 2025, Final: South look clueless as Patidar, Rathod smash centuries

The second day of the Duleep Trophy 2025 final at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1 was dominated by the batters of Central Zone, who tightened their grip on the contest against South Zone. Having already stitched a steady 50-run opening stand on Day 1, Central resumed with confidence and carried forward the same momentum. However, South Zone bowlers struck early on the morning of Day 2 to tilt the balance briefly in their favour.

Akshay Wadkar and Shubham Sharma were dismissed cheaply, leaving the Central Zone under slight pressure. Danish Malewar then played a fluent knock of 53 runs, holding the innings together before falling just ahead of the first drinks break. His dismissal brought captain Rajat Patidar and Yash Rathod together at the crease, and the duo changed the complexion of the innings.

Patidar batted with controlled aggression and mixed with nice precision. Soon into the afternoon session, he reached his half-century and continued to dominate the bowling. Rathod provided excellent support, turning the strike over and punishing loose deliveries. The partnership blossomed into a game-defining stand, frustrating the South Zone attack. Patidar eventually brought up a well-crafted century before being dismissed for 101 off 115 balls, including 12 boundaries and a six.

The captain's wicket brought an end to the fourth-wicket partnership which was worth 167 runs off 205 deliveries and put Central Zone in firm control. Though Upendra Yadav fell cheaply, Rathod carried on, along with Saransh Jain. They forged another century stand for the sixth wicket, grinding down the bowlers even further. Rathod displayed remarkable composure, bringing up his own century and finishing the day unbeaten on 137 from 188 balls, laced with 11 fours and a six.

Saransh here, Saransh there, Saransh everywhere

Saransh, who already impressed with a brilliant five-wicket haul on the opening day, gave the Vidarbha batter a solid support and is on his way to bring up a half-century for himself tomorrow. For South Zone, Gurjapneet Singh was the standout bowler with figures of 3 for 74, while MD Nidheesh and Vasuki Koushik chipped in with a wicket each. The bowlers looked tired, and the steering wheel was certainly in the batting team's command throughout the day's play.

At Stumps on Friday, Central Zone had scored 384 for 5 in 104 overs, stretching their lead to 235 runs. Earlier, South Zone had crumbled for 149 on Day 1, with Kumar Kartikeya claiming four wickets and Saransh a brilliant five-for. With a commanding lead, Central Zone will now look to bat South Zone out of the contest and push towards sealing the final in style, as a crucial third day will give Mohd. Azharuddeen & Co. their last chance to make a comeback.