Central Zone wrested control of the Duleep Trophy final on Day 2 in Bengaluru, reaching 384 for five at stumps with a commanding first-innings lead of 235 runs. Skipper Rajat Patidar and Yash Rathod were the stars of the day, both registering centuries to take the game firmly away from South Zone after an early wobble. Patidar struck 101 off 115 balls for his 15th first-class ton, while Rathod remained unbeaten on 137 from 188 deliveries, notching up his seventh career hundred. Saransh Jain was steady at the other end with 47 not out when play ended.

 

Earlier in the day, Central had resumed at 50 without loss but lost their way in the first session. Openers Danish Malewar (53), Akshay Wadkar (22), and Shubham Sharma (6) all fell in quick succession, leaving the score at 93 for three. South’s pacers found assistance under overcast skies, with Gurjapneet Singh impressing most. He finished the session with three wickets for 74, including the dismissals of Malewar and Shubham, while Vasuki Koushik accounted for Wadkar.

 

However, once the conditions settled and the ball lost its bite, the momentum shifted. Patidar and Rathod combined for a decisive fourth-wicket stand of 167 runs, capitalising on South’s limited spin options. Patidar crossed South’s first-innings total of 148 in style, sweeping leg-spinner Ricky Bhui for four. With the immediate target secured, the pair pressed on, adding 124 runs in the post-lunch session. Patidar played with authority, showcasing his full range of strokes and punishing Bhui with a sequence of boundaries and a six, while Rathod consolidated at the other end.