Duleep Trophy 2025, WZ vs CZ: Gaikwad middles it on opening day, West in command

The first day of the Duleep Trophy 2025's second semi-final between West Zone and Central Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground B in Bengaluru on Wednesday saw both teams enjoy periods of success. West Zone skipper Shardul Thakur won the toss and chose to bat first on a surface offering movement for the bowlers.

West Zone openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Harvik Desai arrived, with Khaleel Ahmed taking the new ball. Jaiswal’s stay was short-lived as he edged out for just four, undone by the movement on offer. The early overs belonged firmly to Central Zone’s attack, as West Zone slipped to 32 for 2 inside the first 10 overs. However, Aarya Desai and Ruturaj Gaikwad steadied the innings with calm stroke play. At Lunch, West Zone were 116 for 3, with Gaikwad leading the way on an unbeaten 55.

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Post-lunch, the Rajat Patidar-led side struck back again. Shreyas Iyer, usually a reliable presence in the middle order, fell cheaply, dragging an inside edge off Ahmed onto his stumps. Despite wickets tumbling around him, Gaikwad looked in supreme touch, timing the ball beautifully to keep the scoreboard moving. Just before Tea, he brought up his eighth first-class century with a crisp cover drive off Harsh Dubey. At the interval, West Zone were 237 for 5, with Gaikwad unbeaten on 121.

The evening session saw the game swing firmly in West Zone’s favour. Gaikwad accelerated brilliantly, combining with Tanush Kotian for a brisk partnership. The pair added 73 runs in just 11 overs after tea, with Gaikwad raising his 150 and Kotian completing a fluent half-century. Eventually, Gaikwad’s majestic knock ended when he charged down to off-spinner Saransh Jain and was stumped for 184, a stellar knock that was studded with 25 boundaries.

At the end of day's play, West Zone had reached a commanding 363 for 6. Kotian remained unbeaten on 65, while captain Thakur provided support with 24 not out. For Central Zone, Khaleel and Saransh Jain picked up two wickets each, while Dubey and Deepak Chahar claimed one apiece.