Central Zone captain Rajat Patidar once again stole the spotlight in the Duleep Trophy final, following up his fielding brilliance on the opening day with a commanding century that put his team firmly in control against South Zone. On Friday, Patidar struck 101 off 115 deliveries, with his innings featuring 12 fours and two sixes, to stretch Central’s advantage. Walking in at 74/2 after 30 overs, the skipper anchored the innings and only departed once his side had reached 260. By tea on Day 2, Central Zone had reached 276 for five in 72 overs, holding a 127-run lead.Besides Patidar, opener Danish Malewar chipped in with a half-century, with Yash Rathod also getting a fifty. Patidar’s effort with the bat carried on from his acrobatic attempt on Thursday, when he pulled off a sensational diving catch that went viral within minutes. The moment arrived in the 49th over of South Zone’s innings after off-spinner Saransh Jain got extra bounce against Salman Nizar.Watch Patidar’s century celebration hereThe ball bounced off the batter’s glove and towards silly point, where the fielder failed to cling on. Patidar, standing at gully, reacted instantly, diving forward to collect the rebound just before it touched the ground. The skipper’s quick thinking summed up a dominant start for Central Zone, who had bowled South out for just 149 in 63 overs. Having opted to bowl first after winning the toss, Central’s openers Danish Malewar (28*) and Akshay Wadkar (20*) ensured the day ended with their side on 50 without loss, narrowing the deficit to 99. Patidar’s role in the final has been decisive. Already carrying 268 runs in three innings this season at an average of 68.33, his latest century has further strengthened Central Zone’s grip.
Poll
Who do you think has been the key player for Central Zone so far in the Duleep Trophy final?
The 32-year-old, who earlier this year led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their maiden IPL crown, continues to be the pivotal figure in his team’s pursuit of the Duleep Trophy title.
