Central Zone on top after Day 1 as Patidar, Malewar score centuries

Central Zone finished the opening day of their Duleep Trophy quarterfinal at the BCCI Centre of Excellence on Thursday in a commanding position, reaching 432 for 2 in 77 overs after centuries from skipper Rajat Patidar and Vidarbha’s Danish Malewar. The pair’s brutal partnership left North East Zone’s bowlers exhausted and set Central firmly in the driver’s seat as rain brought an early halt to play.

Patidar, leading the side in the absence of Dhruv Jurel, produced a rapid, match-defining knock. He reached his hundred off 80 balls and finished on 125 from 96 deliveries, striking 21 fours and three sixes, according to match reports. The RCB captain brought up his fifty in just 42 balls and was eventually dismissed attempting a sweep by pacer Pheiroijam Jotin. Malewar, meanwhile, compiled a career-best 198 not out off 219 balls, belting 35 fours and a six and moving within sight of a maiden first-class double century by stumps.

The innings began with an early setback when opener Aayush Pandey was removed in the third over. Wicketkeeper Aryan Juyal came in and stabilised the innings, making 60 before being forced to retire hurt after being struck in the abdomen. Juyal’s departure...