Duleep Trophy 2025, SZ vs NZ: N Jagadeesan hogs the limelight with stunning ton, South dominate Day 1

South Zone finished Day 1 of the first semi-final at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground in Bengaluru on Thursday, September 4, at 297/3 in 81 overs.

Earlier in the day, North Zone skipper Ankit Kumar won the toss and opted to field first. It raised a few eyebrows as the surface was expected to be great for batting. However, overcast conditions possibly played a role.

Tanmay Agarwal and N Jagadeesan played brilliantly against the new ball and kept the likes of Anshul Kamboj and Auqib Nabi at bay. The opening partnership yielded 103 runs off 200 balls. Nishant Sindhu gave North Zone their first breakthrough, as he sent Agarwal packing for a 99-ball 43.

Devdutt Padikkal walked out to the crease at the fall of the first wicket. He played a fluent knock, scoring 57 off just 71 balls with the help of seven boundaries. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter added 128 runs off 169 balls with Jagadeesan.

While Anshul Kamboj dismissed Padikkal, Jagadeesan got to a splendid century. Mohit Kale got himself a start, but he couldn't capitalise. The 28-year-old was dismissed for 15 runs off 35 balls by Sindhu, who bagged his second wicket on Day 1.

South Zone captain Mohammed Azharuddeen came to the crease at No. 5. He batted with Jagadeesan till the end of Day 1. The Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper finished unbeaten on 148 off 260 balls, belting 13 fours and two sixes. On the other hand, Azharuddeen remained not out on 11 off 35 deliveries.

Sindhu was the pick of the bowlers as far as North Zone were concerned. He finished with figures of 2/59 in 20 overs. Nabi also bowled well but couldn't pick wickets.

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South Zone are in a solid position so far in the semi-final. Ricky Bhui and Salman Nizar are yet to bat. The Azharuddeen-led side will look to put up a huge first-innings total on Day 2.