Duleep Trophy 2025, WZ vs CZ: Shift in momentum as Central Zone look poised for finals

What looked as a stronghold for West Zone for the first couple of days, the pendulum for the second semi-final of the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2025 seems to be swinging Central Zone's way. Mumbai had ended their first innings with 438 on Day 2, of which the Rajat Patidar-led side had covered for 229 for the loss of two wickets on the previous day's play at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2 in Bengaluru.

The third morning started with Shubham Sharma and skipper Patidar resuming the innings. They started well, cautiously playing out the opening hour of play. However, things did not go as planned, as both missed out on their respective hundreds. Yash Rathod, the highest run-getter from the previous Ranji season, came in, but got caught by Ruturaj Gaikwad off Dharmendrasinh Jadeja's peach.

The wicketkeeper-batter Upendra Yadav was then joined by Harsh Dubey. The duo went on to stage an important partnership, with Dubey being the aggressor. Yadav, too, was excellent with the bat, playing textbook shots to compile a well-managed half-century. However, Dubey gave his wicket away against Jadeja, completely breaking the momentum, but not before adding 75 off just 93 deliveries.

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A few overs later, Yadav too followed Dubey, falling prey to Shams Mulani on 87, narrowly missing out on his well-deserved century. The 134-run stand between the two was the highlight of the day, as it not only helped Central Zone carry the innings forward, but also took the side past the opposition's tally to gain a crucial lead. Saransh Jain (33*) and Deepak Chahar (37) added the cherry on top to the perfect day out with the bat for Patidar & Co.

This lead could very well be the defining factor in the match, as the penultimate clash moves into its fourth and final day. The match looks all but likely for a draw, and that could mean that Central Zone will make it through to the finals, as the first-inning's lead will see them proceed. The Central Zone side will resume their innings on Day 4 with an 118-run lead and two wickets still intact.