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Centuries from Danish Malewar and Rajat Patidar have put Central Zone in a commanding position on the opening day of their Duleep Trophy match against North East Zone on August 28, Thursday. At stumps, Central Zone were well placed at 432/2. Malewar remained unbeaten on a brilliant 198, a knock that included 35 fours and a six, while captain Rajat Patidar smashed 125 off just 96 balls, his 14th first-class century. The duo’s aggressive partnership ensured Central Zone seized control early in the game.
Malewar-Patidar crack tons as Central Zone dominate
After being put in to bat, Central Zone faced an early setback when Ayush Pandey was dismissed for just three. However, opener Aryan Juyal helped stabilize the innings, scoring 60 before retiring hurt. From there, Malewar and Patidar took charge, dominating the North East Zone's bowling attack and setting a strong foundation for their team.
Upon coming to the crease, Rajat Patidar wasted no time, reaching his half-century in just 42 balls. His aggressive batting continued as he brought up his century in only 80 balls before eventually being dismissed for a blistering 125.
Meanwhile, Danish Malewar brought his third first-class century in 144 balls, making history as the first Vidarbha batsman to score a hundred on his Duleep Trophy debut. This achievement follows his match-winning performances of 153 and 73 in the recent Ranji Trophy final, which were crucial to Vidarbha’s championship victory. Malewar continued his exceptional form, reaching 150 in 185 balls and ending the day unbeaten on 198. He was joined at the crease by his Vidarbha teammate Yash Rathod, who was 32 not out. The 21-year-old Malewar has now scored two centuries and three scores over 70 in his last four first-class games, a performance that may soon earn him a call-up to the India A team.
Brief Scores: Central Zone 432/2 in 77 overs (Danish Malewar 198 not out, Rajat Patidar 125; Jotin Pheiroijam 1-56, Akash Kumar 1-73) against North East Zone.
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