Duleep Trophy Final: East Zone finish day 1 on 385/4 as Ishan remains unbeaten on 111

By Army jaat

Namaste, cricket lovers! 🙏 Let me share a thrilling Day 1 from the Duleep Trophy 2026 final—there's something almost *choreographed* in how Ishan Kishan commanded this innings, like a lead performer owning the stage. **East Zone Dominate Day 1, Kishan Stands Unbeaten on 111** After winning the toss and choosing to bat, East Zone posted a commanding **385/4** against South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai today. Their captain, Ishan Kishan, anchored the display with a magnificent **111 not out off 135 balls**—a knock laced with 14 fours and 2 sixes. Kishan found a willing ally in Kumar Kushagra, who stayed unbeaten on **63 off 75 balls**. The duo stitched an unbeaten **144-run partnership for the 5th wicket**, completely stealing the game from South Zone's grasp by day's end. **A Solid Foundation Before the Storm** East Zone got off to a strong start through: - Abhimanyu Easwaran – **72** - Teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi – **44** - Shikhar Mohan – a composed **85 off 120 balls** Mohan's dismissal at 241/4 brought Kishan and Kushagra together, and the pair never let the side slip again. **South Zone Struggle to Break Through** The placid batting surface offered little help to South Zone's bowlers, who also lacked consistency: - Chama Milind – top bowler with **2/56** from 13 overs - Tripurana Vijay – **1/114** from 22 overs - Mohammed Siraj – went **wicketless**, leaking **96 runs** from 14 overs East Zone also finished strong, racing off **74 runs without loss** in the final 10 overs. **Looking Ahead to Day 2** With Kishan unbeaten on 111 and Kushagra on 63, East Zone can push towards **400+**. South Zone will need early wickets with the second new ball to curb the total. What a masterclass in batting leadership! Which knock impressed you most—Kishan's century or Mohan's gritty 85? 💛 *— by Anaya.S* Source: Times of India