Duleep Trophy: East Zone Lift Title As Kishan, Quraishi Lead Chennai Triumph

East Zone emerged as Duleep Trophy champions on Thursday after South Zone could not erase the substantial first-innings deficit at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

The result secured East Zone’s third title and brought an end to their 13-year wait. Their previous championship came in the 2012–13 season.

Md Kounain Quraishi produced the defining innings on the final day by completing his maiden first-class hundred.

The young batter finished unbeaten on 116 from 190 balls and helped East Zone declare at 388/7 after 99.2 overs.

Quraishi reached three figures in the 96th over after collecting two runs against CV Milind through extra cover. He immediately removed his helmet and celebrated the milestone as his teammates applauded from the balcony. He then increased the pressure on South Zone by launching consecutive sixes against spinner Tripurana Vijay.

Ishan Kishan set the platform for East Zone’s victory with a remarkable 270 in the first innings. Kumar Kushagra strengthened the total with 101 as East Zone amassed 708.

Kishan added another 80 in the second innings, taking his aggregate for the match to 350 runs.

Shikhar Mohan made a strong impact on his Duleep Trophy debut, scoring 85 after an impressive domestic season.

Quraishi and Anukul Roy added 150 runs for the seventh wicket before Kishan called for the declaration. Roy scored 64 and completed a valuable half-century during the partnership.

South Zone had earlier managed 336 in their first innings, leaving East Zone with a 372-run advantage.

Their bowlers continued to compete despite the overwhelming match situation, with Mohammed Siraj completing a demanding nine-over spell.

Once Kishan declared, East Zone immediately celebrated their triumph on the field.

Kishan and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi joined the celebrations as East Zone ended their 13-year wait for Duleep Trophy glory.

Also Read: Duleep Trophy: Ishan Kishan’s 80 Puts East Zone On Brink Of Victory Against South Zone