Duleep Trophy semifinal, 2nd Day: Jagadeesan misses double century but helps take South Zone to 536

Duleep Trophy semifinal, 2nd Day: Jagadeesan misses double century but helps take South Zone to 536

A horror mix-up cost South Zone’s N. Jagadeesan a double century against North Zone on the second day of the Duleep Trophy semifinal at BCCI COE Ground (1) here on Friday.

Jagadeesan’s long vigil was cut short on 197, courtesy a run-out involving partner Ricky Bhui. The Tamil Nadu opener’s knock, to go with contributions from Bhui (54) and Tanay Thyagarajan (58), took South Zone to a commanding 536 by the end of play.

After batting nearly four full sessions, Jagadeesan was left fuming when Bhui did not respond to a quick single call. Both Jagadeesan and Bhui were left stranded at the same end. Bhui was expected to sacrifice his wicket for the form batter, but it was not to be. An upset Jagadeesan remonstrated and left the ground, while Bhui threw his head back in despair.

Bhui went on to build a steady partnership with Salman Nazir, who made 29. Hyderabad’s Thyagarajan and Gurjapneet Singh (29, 81b, 2×4, 1×6) then frustrated North Zone with a 61-run eighth-wicket stand.

The North Zone bowlers had a tough time of it on a slow, low pitch. Left-arm spinner Nishant Sindhu toiled hard, bowling 47.2 overs to finish with figures of five for 125.

In the other semifinal, Central Zone fought hard to draw level with West Zone. West Zone was only able to add 75 runs to its overnight total and was dismissed for 438. Tanush Kotian (76) and Shardul Thakur (64) missed out on centuries, as spinners Saransh Jain and Harsh Dubey picked up quick wickets.

In reply, the Central Zone top-order stayed compact to guide the side to 229 for two. Shubham Sharma (60 batting) and Rajat Patidar (47 batting) looked in good touch and will hold the key to Central Zone’s hopes of taking the all-important first innings lead.

Published on Sep 05, 2025