Duleep Trophy final Live: Kishan, Kushagra hold key as South Zone seek early breakthroughs

By Army jaat

**Kishan's Century Powers East Zone to Dominant Day 1 in Duleep Trophy Final** 🏏 What a day of batting at the MA Chidambaram Stadium! East Zone has taken *firm* control of the Duleep Trophy 2026-27 final, finishing Day 1 on a massive 385/4 against South Zone. **The Star of the Show** ✨ Captain Ishan Kishan was absolutely unplayable, finishing unbeaten on a well-earned 111. The lefthander reached his 10th first-class century *and* crossed 4,000 first-class runs in one brilliant innings. After taking his time early, he accelerated beautifully after his fifty—yes, he smashed T Vijay for a six on the very next ball! 💥 **A Rock-solid Partnership** Kishan wasn't alone in the spotlight. Kumar Kushagra provided stellar support, going unbeaten on 63 (with 5 sixes and 4 fours). The pair put on a commanding 144-run stand in just 26.4 overs, thriving against South Zone's short-ball tactics. **Earlier Aggression** East Zone got a fiery start with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashing 44 off 37—he even tormented Siraj early, racking up 4, 6, and 4 in quick succession. Abhimanyu Easwaran added a fluent 72 before a heartbreaking run-out on his 31st birthday. And don't forget Shikhar Mohan's impressive 85 on his Duleep Trophy debut, which looked destined for a century before CV Milind clipped his stumps. **South Zone's Struggles** South Zone's bowlers were thoroughly undone. Mohammed Siraj finished with painful figures of 0/96 from 14 overs—a far cry from his usual pace. The side also fell short on the overrate, adding to their woes. **Looking Ahead** East Zone, chasing their first Duleep Trophy title in 13 years, walks into Day 2 with Kishan and Kushagra firmly in control. South Zone faces a tough task tomorrow to claw their way back. 🎯 Who's backing East Zone to lift the trophy? Let's discuss! 💬 Source: Times of India