Yash Rathod's Stellar 194 Leads Central Zone in Duleep Trophy

In a stunning display of batting prowess, Yash Rathod scored a remarkable 194 runs during the Duleep Trophy final, showcasing his skills and determination. His performance helped Central Zone establish a massive first-innings lead of 362 runs against South Zone, putting them firmly in control of the match.

Starting the third day at a solid 384 for five, Rathod, who was on 137 overnight, led his team to a total of 511 before Central was bowled out just after lunch. The innings featured a crucial partnership with Saransh Jain, who contributed 69 runs. Rathod's innings was marked by his ability to tackle South Zone's spinners effectively, scoring 76 runs off 84 balls against Ankit Sharma.

Reflecting on his game plan, Rathod emphasized the importance of reacting well to the ball and maintaining composure at the crease. His strategy paid off, allowing him to reach his 150 and surpass his previous high score of 151, solidifying his reputation as a top performer after a stellar Ranji Trophy season.

Despite falling just six runs short of a maiden double century, Rathod's innings laid the foundation for Central Zone’s dominance in the match. Once he was dismissed, the remaining batters quickly followed suit, as Central lost their last three wickets for just 11 runs.

In response, South Zone began their second innings with a more aggressive approach. Openers Tanmay Agarwal and Mohit Kale added 62 runs for the first wicket before Agarwal's dismissal due to an unfortunate delivery. The South Zone batters showed some resilience with Ravichandran Smaran and Ricky Bhui putting together a 53-run partnership for the third wicket.

As the day ended, South Zone was at 129 for two, still trailing by 233 runs. With a spirited effort from their batsmen, the South Zone hopes to mount a challenge against the impressive total set by Central Zone. The match is poised for an exciting finish as both teams vie for the prestigious Duleep Trophy title.