East Zone End 13-Year Wait, Win Duleep Trophy After Dominant Batting Display

September 10, 2026

Chennai: East Zone ended their 13-year wait for the Duleep Trophy title with a commanding victory over South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Led by Ishan Kishan, East Zone posted a massive 708 in their first innings, with Kishan smashing a brilliant double century. Kumar Kushagra contributed 101, while Shikhar Mohan scored 85.

East Zone Build Massive Lead Over South Zone

In reply, South Zone were bowled out for 336, handing East Zone a huge 372-run first-innings lead.

Mukesh Kumar picked up three wickets, while Mohammed Shami, Md Kounain Quraishi and Shikhar claimed two wickets each.

Rather than declaring early, East Zone continued batting in their second innings and added another 388 runs before declaring on Day 5.

Kishan once again impressed with the bat, scoring 80, while Kounain Quraishi registered his maiden first-class century.

Kounain Quraishi, Anukul Roy Push Lead Past 700

Quraishi remained unbeaten on 116 off 189 balls, hitting 13 fours and four sixes. His partnership with Anukul Roy, who scored 64, pushed East Zone’s overall lead beyond 700 runs.

South Zone’s bowlers endured a difficult outing, with none of their plans proving effective. Even the return of star pacer Mohammed Siraj failed to change the course of the contest.

South Zone’s bowlers delivered 99.2 overs in the second innings after bowling 163 overs in the first. Tripurna Vijay was their leading wicket-taker in the final, finishing with five wickets across the two innings.

Captains Shake Hands As East Zone Seal Historic Title

East Zone’s declaration on Day 5 left South Zone with no realistic opportunity to overcome the first-innings deficit. The captains subsequently shook hands, confirming East Zone as champions.

After the result, Kishan and Sooryavanshi joined the celebrations on the field, dancing with stumps as East Zone secured their first Duleep Trophy title since the 2012-13 season.

Kishan’s outstanding batting performance has also strengthened his case for a potential Test call-up, with the East Zone captain making a strong statement in red-ball cricket.