South Zone’s batting shortcomings against spin were brutally exposed on the opening day of the Duleep Trophy final, as they were bundled out for just 149 runs in 63 overs. Central Zone’s spin pair, Kumar Kartikeya and Saransh Jain, bowled with remarkable discipline and shared nine wickets between them across 45 overs. By stumps, Central had taken full control of the game, reaching 50 for no loss, still trailing by 99 runs. Openers Danish Malewar (28) and Akshay Wadkar (20)** held firm to end the day without any damage.

 

South Zone’s troubles began early. Opener Mohit Kale attempted an unnecessary sweep shot against Kartikeya in the 16th over and was bowled, sparking a collapse. Before lunch, three more wickets fell, leaving the side reeling at 64 for four in 33 overs. Among them was Smaran, who miscued a slog sweep off Kartikeya.

 

The only resistance came from Tanmay Agarwal, who battled hard for 31 runs off 76 deliveries, but his innings ended in unfortunate fashion when he collided mid-pitch with his partner Ricky Bhui and was run out. Soon after, Kartikeya produced a superb delivery to dismiss skipper Mohammed Azharuddeen, pitching on leg stump and spinning sharply to hit off stump.

 

Even after the break, South Zone batters failed to show composure. Andre Siddarth’s dismissal highlighted the indecision in the middle – charging down the track against Kartikeya without conviction, he was stumped brilliantly by Upendra Yadav, who managed to collect a sharply rising ball above waist height.

 

Salman Nizar (24) offered the last bit of resistance, aiming to push the total closer to 200. But a hesitant shot against Jain led to an edge that initially popped out at silly point before captain Rajat Patidar, stationed at gully, dived to complete a sharp catch. After Nizar’s exit, the tail offered little resistance as Jain completed yet another five-wicket haul – his ninth in first-class cricket and second consecutive in this year’s Duleep Trophy, following his 5 for 84 in the semifinal.

 

Speaking after the day’s play, Kartikeya revealed that patience was his key strategy on this surface. “I knew runs were possible on this pitch, but by consistently landing the ball in the right areas, it would become harder for the batters. My plan was to remain patient, and that worked well for me,” he said.