Ishan Kishan's Century Puts East Zone In Command Against South Zone On Day 1 Of Duleep Trophy Final

By Suresh

**East Zone on Top After Kishan's Captain's Ton at Chepauk** Namaste, cricket friends. Let me share this one with you — there was a certain rhythm to Day 1 of the Duleep Trophy final, a measured tempo that built beautifully into East Zone's commanding position. Captain Ishan Kishan walked out to an unbeaten 111, anchoring East Zone to a strong 385/4 on stumps. The wicketkeeper-bat stayed at the crease, and beside him Kumar Kushagra also remained not out on 63. Together they added a solid 144-run stand from 160 balls in the final session, never losing a wicket — much like a well-preserved raga, held in perfect balance. The Chepauk surface offered little to the South bowlers. Shikhar Mohan (85), Abhimanyu Easwaran (72) and the teenage wonder Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (44 off 37) all contributed with the willow. That young Sooryavanshi — just 15 — did not flinch against senior international Mohammed Siraj. In 12 balls he lined the Test speedster for three fours and a six before Chama V Milind dismissed him with a short ball. A future star, indeed. South's attack tired badly. Siraj never touched 135 kph, leaked 96 runs at 6.90 economy with no wicket. Tripurana Vijay went for 114 in 22 overs before picking a scalping. Milind was the pick of the bowlers with twin scalps for 56, but South have plenty of work before them. A day to remember at Chepauk — East Zone set the tempo, and they'll fancy their chances heading into Day 2. Source: NDTV Sports