RCB star Rajat Patidar, alongside Yash Rathod, capitalized on the absence of quality spin options in the South Zone ranks, scoring stylish centuries to take Central Zone to a commanding 384 for 5 on Day 2 of the Duleep Trophy final. Central now holds a dominant lead of 235 runs, thanks to Patidar’s 101 and Rathod’s 137.
Patidar and Rathod’s Centuries Steer Central to Commanding Lead
Patidar (101 off 115 balls) and Rathod (137 off 188 balls) scored their 15th and 7th first-class centuries respectively, forming a crucial 167-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Their remarkable effort turned the tide for Central Zone, who were in a precarious position at 93 for 3 before their partnership. Saransh Jain (47*) remained at the crease with Rathod at stumps.
Early Struggles, But Patidar and Rathod Find Their Rhythm
Central had a shaky start, losing openers Danish Malewar (53), Akshay Wadkar (22), and Shubham Sharma (6) in quick succession after starting the day with a solid 50 for no loss. However, pacer Gurjapneet Singh (3/74) was a standout performer, picking up two early wickets in the first session and beating the bat frequently under grey skies. Despite these early setbacks, Patidar and Rathod took charge after the pitch eased out.
Patidar Dominates, Rathod Steady
Patidar played a dominant role in surpassing South Zone’s first-innings total of 148, starting with a boundary off leg-spinner Ricky Bhui. Once the lead was secured, both Patidar and Rathod accelerated, adding 124 runs in the post-lunch session. Patidar played with flair, smashing Bhui for a series of boundaries and finishing with a magnificent pull shot off Gurjapneet to reach his hundred.
Patidar’s fifty came in just 73 balls, and his second fifty arrived in only 39 balls, capitalizing on the lack of genuine spin from South Zone.
Rathod’s Steady Contribution
Rathod, last season’s highest run-scorer in the Ranji Trophy, was more reserved in his approach, allowing Patidar to dominate. Rathod reached his fifty in 84 balls and then brought up his century in 132 balls, celebrating with a run and a raised hand.
Although Patidar’s dismissal to a loose shot gave South Zone a glimmer of hope, Rathod and Jain took control of the innings, adding 118 runs for the sixth wicket. By the close of play, Central’s lead had grown past 200 runs, putting them in a strong position to claim the Duleep Trophy.
Central Zone’s Path to Victory
Patidar’s brilliant ton and Rathod’s composed century, backed by Saransh Jain’s solid knock, have put Central Zone firmly on course for victory in the Duleep Trophy final. With a lead of 235 runs and key partnerships still standing, Central looks poised to push for the title.
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