Central Zone win Duleep Trophy 2025 beating South by six wickets

Central Zone completed a commanding campaign to win the Duleep Trophy 2025, defeating South Zone by six wickets at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Monday after a five‑day final that turned on disciplined spin bowling and two big centuries. Chasing a modest target of 65, Central reached 66 for four in 20.3 overs to seal the title they had not won since the 2014‑15 season.

Captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and elected to field on a cloudy first morning, a decision that paid immediate dividends as Central’s spinners ripped through South’s top order. Kumar Kartikeya and Saransh Jain shared nine wickets in the opening innings as South were bundled out for 149 in 63 overs. Kartikeya’s left‑arm spin produced sharp turning deliveries that accounted for key wickets, while Jain’s offspin and relentless accuracy yielded a five‑wicket haul that set Central up nicely.

Central responded with a massive batting display, posting 511 all out in their first innings to take a 362‑run lead. Yash Rathod produced the innings of the match, compiling a career‑best 194 off 286 balls with 17 fours and two sixes. Patidar complemented him with a fluent 101 off 115, the captain’s knock...