Duleep Trophy 2026 Final: Ishan's Unbeaten Century Helps East Zone Put Up Strong Day 1 Show Against South

By Pramit Meher

**East Zone Dominate Day 1 of Duleep Trophy Final as Ishan Tones to ton** 🏏 Chennai: What a Day 1 at Chepauk. East Zone have walked into a commanding position in the Duleep Trophy 2026 Final, largely thanks to a rock-solid innings from captain Ishan Kishan. **The headline act** Ishan went in on a hundred and came out unbeaten on **111*,** steering East to **385/4** in 79 overs at stumps. The MA Chidambaram pitch was helping the bat, and the skipper controlled the tempo brilliantly. He wasn't alone though—WK-batter **Kumar Kushagra** backed him up with an unbeaten **63**, and the pair shared a crucial unbeaten stand. **The supporting cast** Not many had heard of **Vaibhav Sooryavanshi** before today, but the **15-year-old sensation** made sure they have now. He tucked away a stroke-filled **44 from 37 balls**, including a memorable battle with senior international **Mohammed Siraj**—lining him up for three fours and a six off 12 balls before Chama V Milind clean-bowled him with a short ball. A bright future, for sure. Also on the score sheet: **Shikhar Mohan 85, Abhimanyu Easwaran 72**, and Ishan's captain's knock. **What caught my eye (as a doc)** Siraj's return to the crease wasn't his usual self—he never touched **135 kph**, stayed in the mid-120s, and leaked **96 runs at 6.90 econ** without a wicket across 14 overs. When a fast bowler's dropping under 135 kph, it's usually a red flag for fatigue or a bad spell; worth watching his workload going forward. **Session-by-session** - **First session:** 133/2 in 27 overs before lunch—East set the tone. - **Second session:** Spin from both ends, but Mohan weathered it. - **Final session:** The real steal. A **144-run unbeaten partnership** off 160 balls, zero wickets lost. From 246/4 at tea to a strong close. **Brief scores:** East Zone 385/4 (79 ov) — Ishan Kishan 111*, Kushagra 63*, Mohan 85, Easwaran 72; Milind 25-6, Vijay 11-14 for South. Day 2 promises more of the same if the bat keeps ruling at Chepauk. Will South's bowlers find answers? 🤔 *Source: IANS* Source: Cricketnmore