Duleep Trophy 2025 Live Score: Early wickets dent North East Zone in massive 679 chase against Central Zone

Central Zone vs North East Zone Live Score: Central on the verge of Duleep Trophy semis

Central Zone tightened their grip on the Duleep Trophy semi-final by extending their lead to a massive 678 runs against North East Zone on Saturday.

After bundling out North East for 185 in reply to 532/4, courtesy quick strikes from Deepak Chahar and Khaleel Ahmed, Central piled up 331/7 in their second innings. Shubham Sharma anchored with a patient 122, supported by skipper Rajat Patidar (66) and Yash Rathod (78), who dominated with counter-attacking strokes. Partnerships of 122 and 131 further killed the contest. With Kuldeep Yadav wicketless so far, all eyes will be on him as Central push for victory.

Central Zone vs North East Zone Live Score: Stumps on Day 2! North East 168/7 vs Central 532/4d

Danish Malewar’s magnificent 203 powered Central Zone to a dominant position against North East Zone on day two of their Duleep Trophy clash. Resuming on 198, Malewar struck a boundary to reach his maiden double century before retiring, with Central declaring at 532/4. Yash Rathod remained unbeaten on 87.

In reply, North East began well with a 72-run opening stand, but a dramatic collapse saw them lose five wickets for eight runs. From 128/2, they slid to 168/7 at stumps, still trailing by 364 runs. Harsh Dubey and Yash Thakare led Central’s charge as North East face an uphill battle.

Duleep Trophy 2025 Live Score: North East 72/1

North East Zone lost opener Doria (20) after a steady 72-run stand with Karnajit Y, in reply to Central Zone’s mammoth 532/4 declared.

Central Zone vs North East Zone Live Score: Lunch on Day 2! North East 17/0 vs Central 532/4d

Duleep Trophy 2025 Live Score: Rain interrupts strong Central Zone progress

After Patidar’s dismissal, Malewar found support in Vidarbha teammate Yash Rathod, with the pair adding an unbroken 85 runs for the third wicket.

Rathod remained unbeaten on 32 when rain brought an abrupt end to play.

Central Zone, riding on Malewar’s unbeaten 198 and Patidar’s explosive 125, hold complete control heading into Day 2.

Central Zone vs North East Zone Live Score: Match-turning partnership

The turning point of the day was the blistering 199-run stand between Malewar and Patidar for the second wicket in just over 28 overs.

The duo came together after opener Aryan Juyal, who had scored 60, was forced to retire hurt following a blow to the abdomen.

Their aggressive approach left North East Zone bowlers without answers as boundaries flowed consistently.

Duleep Trophy 2025 Live Score: Patidar’s counter-attacking hundred

Patidar, fresh from leading RCB to their maiden IPL title earlier this year, played the more aggressive role. His 96-ball 125 featured 21 fours and three sixes.

He entered the 90s with three consecutive reverse sweeps off part-timer Rongsen Jonathan and completed his 14th First-Class century with a stylish cover drive.

He eventually perished while attempting a sweep against pacer Pheiroijam Jotin, caught at deep square leg.

Central Zone vs North East Zone Live Score: Malewar’s career-best knock

The 21-year-old Malewar, who had scored a big hundred in last season’s Ranji Trophy final, produced a career-best 198 not out.

Closing in on his maiden double hundred, he struck 35 fours and a six, and also inched towards the 1,000-run mark in just his 10th First-Class game.

His third century in the format was filled with fluent strokes, the 20th boundary taking him to three figures.

Duleep Trophy 2025 Live Score: Malewar and Patidar dominate North East Zone

Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy hero Danish Malewar and experienced batter Rajat Patidar toyed with a lacklustre North East Zone attack, hammering centuries as Central Zone piled up 432 for 2 in 77 overs before rain halted play on the opening day of the Duleep Trophy quarter-final on Thursday.