Duleep Trophy Final: Ishan Kishan's Century Puts East Zone in Command Against South Zone

Chennai, September 6: Ishan Kishan produced a commanding captain's innings as East Zone finished Day 1 of the Duleep Trophy 2026 final in a strong position against South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, East Zone posted 385/4 in 79 overs at stumps. Kishan remained unbeaten on 111 off 135 balls, while Kumar Kushagra was not out on 63 off 75 deliveries, leaving South Zone with plenty of work to do on Day 2.

East Zone made a flying start, with young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi contributing a quickfire 44. He and experienced opener Abhimanyu Easwaran put together a strong opening partnership before South Zone finally made the breakthrough.

Easwaran went on to score a well-made 72, reaching his half-century from just 46 balls. However, he was eventually run out after a mix-up with Shikhar Mohan, with East Zone reaching 133/2.

Shikhar Mohan then took charge of the innings. He scored an impressive 85 off 61 balls to reach his fifty, keeping East Zone's scoring rate high and building an important partnership in the middle order. His innings came to an end when Chama Milind dismissed him shortly after tea, leaving East Zone at 241/4.

That dismissal, however, did little to slow East Zone down.

Kishan, who had already brought up his half-century, shifted gears alongside Kumar Kushagra. The pair attacked the South Zone bowling, particularly the spin of Tripurana Vijay, while Mohammed Siraj also struggled to contain the scoring.

Kishan completed his century with a well-timed drive through long-off, reaching the landmark in 135 balls. The hundred was the highlight of an authoritative innings from the East Zone captain, who controlled the tempo brilliantly during the final session.

Kushagra provided excellent support and brought up his half-century from 67 balls. He also cleared the boundary repeatedly, including five sixes during his unbeaten knock.

South Zone's experienced pacer Chama Milind was the most successful bowler on the opening day, claiming two wickets. Tripurana Vijay picked up one wicket, while Mohammed Siraj finished the day without a wicket despite being given a prominent role in the attack.

By the close of play, East Zone had firmly seized the initiative at 385/4, with Kishan and Kushagra still at the crease.

With both batters well set and the pitch offering little assistance to the bowlers, East Zone will be looking to convert their strong start into a massive first-innings total when play resumes on Day 2.

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