Duleep Trophy 2025 final: Central Zone just 65-run away from becoming champions, bundle out South Zone for 426 after Ankit's fighting 99

Central Zone are on cusp of winning Duleep Trophy 2025 title as they bundled out South Zone for 426 on Day 4 of the final clash on September 14. Ankit Sharma (99) and Andre Siddarth (84 not out) mounted an impressive comeback for South Zone, but a flurry of late wickets ensured Central Zone maintained control of the Duleep Trophy final. The pair batted for nearly four hours on the fourth day at the BCCI CoE Ground, creating panic in the Central camp and turning a potential innings defeat into an improbable 52-run lead.

Central Zone on brink of lifting Duleep Trophy 2025

The momentum shifted dramatically with the dismissal of Ankit Sharma. After successfully defending against a few deliveries from left-arm spinner Kumar Kartikeya, Ankit mistimed a lofted shot and was caught at mid-wicket. This breakthrough ended Central's long wait for a wicket. A few overs later, South Zone's innings concluded at 426. Central now faces the relatively simple task of chasing a 65-run target on Monday to win the match.

Ankit Sharma and Andre Siddarth sparked hope for South Zone with a remarkable 192-run, seventh-wicket partnership, raising the possibility of a draw or even a victory. Ankit, a seasoned player now representing Pondicherry, displayed positive and aggressive intent, while the young Tamil Nadu teenager Siddarth, in only his second year of First-Class cricket, focused on a more defensive, resolute approach. Despite the high-pressure situation, the youngster remained composed and looked completely at ease.

As the partnership grew, the Central Zone team began to lose confidence. Their captain, Rajat Patidar, resorted to defensive field placements, inviting easy singles and further allowing the batters to settle in. This resilient partnership helped rectify the damage done earlier in the day when several South Zone batsmen, including R. Smaran (67), Ricky Bhui (45), Mohammed Azharuddeen (27), and Salman Nizar (12), threw away their wickets, giving Central Zone the early advantage. Smaran's dismissal was a moment of frustration, as he fell while attempting to force the pace, sweeping a delivery to the hands of the deep square-leg fielder.