23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Het Patel saved West Zone from a dramatic collapse in Duleep Trophy 2022 final against Hanuma Vihari-led South Zone. Despite big names disappointing the side, Patel and lower-order Jaydev Unadkat kept West Zone's first innings alive on Day 1.
West Zone skipper Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and opted to bat first. Rahane would have regretted his decision immediately as Cheepurapalli Stephen got rid of openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (1) and Priyank Panchal (7). Basil Thampi struck with the new ball as well and got the wicket of Rahane (8).
Shreyas Iyer, who got released from the T20I squad tried to stitch a partnership with Sarfaraz Khan. Shreyas did well initially but lost his wicket to in-form Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore. Iyer scored 37 runs from 63 deliveries. In the second session, the left-arm spinner struck again and dismissed Sarfaraz (34).
Kishore's third wicket turned out to be Shams Mulani. In the 45th over, West Zone had lost six wickets for 101. Atit Sheth shared a crucial seventh-wicket partnership with Patel. The partnership was broken by Basil Thampi with the old ball. In the next over, Krishnappa Gowtham dismissed Tanush Kotian.
West Zone were reduced to 167/8. In the last session, Unadkat provided the much-needed support. When he walked out to bat, Patel was already batting on 52.
The two batters played through the session and ensured no more wickets fell before the end of day's play. They shared an unbeaten 83-run partnership for the ninth wicket. Unadkat remained not out for 39 runs from 64 deliveries. On the other end, Patel needs four more runs to get to his century. In his 178-ball long stay at the crease, he hit six fours and one six.
West Zone had 250/8 on the board on Day 1. They would hope that the partnership continues so that they post a first innings total close to 350 at SNR College Cricket Ground, Coimbatore.
Despite a Day 1 pitch, South Zone spinners bowled the most number of overs. Only Telukupalli Ravi Teja remained wicketless whereas other four bowlers provide breakthroughs.
