• Rajat Patidar smashed a blazing ton in Duleep Trophy 2025 final.

  • Patidar’s blistering 101 runs and Yash Rathod’s steady innings propelled Central Zone to a strong position against South Zone.

Fans erupt as Rajat Patidar hammers a brilliant century in Duleep Trophy 2025 final between Central Zone and South Zone
Fans erupt as Rajat Patidar hammers a brilliant century in Duleep Trophy 2025 final (Image source: X)

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Duleep Trophy 2025 final at the BCCI CEG Ground in Bengaluru began on September 11 with South Zone and Central Zone vying for the prestigious title. South Zone batted first and were bundled out for 149 in 63 overs as Central Zone bowlers applied disciplined pressure. On Day 2 Central Zone resumed and set their sights on overturning the deficit and seizing control of the match.

Rajat Patidar’s commanding century steers Central Zone to advantage

Central Zone captain Rajat Patidar played the innings of the match in the second innings. He combined patient defence with powerful strokes to anchor the chase. Openers Danish Malewar and Akshay Wadkar provided a steady start with scores of 53 off 120 balls and 22 off 60 balls respectively. When Malewar departed at 93 for three in the 33rd over, Patidar entered and immediately took charge. He reached fifty in the 49th over with seven fours to his name and maintained a strike rate near 88.

In the 66.2 over, Ankit Sharma bowled a full delivery that Patidar drove crisply through mid off and ran a single to bring up his century. He raised his bat to an ecstatic applause from teammates and the sparse but vocal crowd. His 101 runs came off 115 deliveries and included twelve fours and two sixes. Alongside Yash Rathod’s unbeaten 71 off 99 balls, Patidar’s knock propelled Central Zone to 267 for five in 69.3 overs by stumps on day two. The pair added 115 runs for the fourth wicket to turn the tide firmly in Central Zone’s favour.

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Central Zone build a strong lead over South Zone

Central Zone’s total gave them a lead of 118 runs heading into day three. Saransh Jain and Gurjapneet Singh had earlier claimed eight wickets between them in South Zone’s first innings but their efforts could not contain the runs on the second morning. Rathod joined Patidar and added crucial runs to drive the momentum. Rathod’s patient batting alongside his captain’s aggressive stroke play meant Central Zone overtook the 250 mark in the 66th over.

As the fielding side packed the boundary ropes, Patidar rotated the strike and punished loose deliveries. By close of play South Zone faced the challenge of not only erasing the 118 run deficit but also negating the confidence of a side led by its experienced skipper. Central Zone will look to press on with the advantage while South Zone must rely on their bowlers to strike early on day three to turn the final back in their favour.

Also WATCH: Rajat Patidar takes a never-seen-before catch in Duleep Trophy 2025 final between South Zone and Central Zone

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.