East Zone End 13-Year Wait, Win Duleep Trophy Under Ishan Kishan
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
East Zone lifted the Duleep Trophy 2026 after their final against South Zone ended in a draw on the fifth day, with Ishan Kishan’s side securing the title on the strength of their commanding first-innings lead. The victory ended East Zone’s 13-year wait for the prestigious domestic red-ball trophy.
East Zone Finish With 760-Run Lead
East Zone declared their second innings at 388/7 on the final day, taking their overall lead to 760 runs. Mohammad Kaunan Qureshi remained unbeaten on 116 to register his maiden first-class century.
Qureshi also shared a crucial 150-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Roy, who scored 64.
Earlier, East Zone had posted a mammoth 708 in their first innings, securing a 372-run lead over South Zone.
Ishan Kishan Leads From The Front
Captain Ishan Kishan was at the heart of East Zone’s dominant campaign. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed a superb 270 in the first innings, strengthening his case for a return to regular red-ball cricket.
Mohammed Shami also produced an impressive performance with the ball while playing his 100th first-class match. Kumar Kushagra contributed his sixth first-class century, while Shikhar Mohan added a half-century to East Zone’s imposing first-innings total.
South Zone Struggle With Bowling And Team Selection
South Zone struggled to contain East Zone’s batting throughout the final. Mohammed Siraj bowled aggressively at times but lacked consistent support from the other bowlers.
Their team selection also came under scrutiny, with in-form players such as Karun Nair, Mayank Agarwal and Sai Kishore left out of the playing XI.
Ishan Kishan Explains East Zone’s Strategy
After East Zone secured the title, Kishan said understanding the match situation was the key to his captaincy.
He explained that after batting for two days in the first innings, the team’s focus was on taking all 10 South Zone wickets and building a decisive lead. With the winner set to be determined by the first-innings advantage if the match ended in a draw, East Zone ensured they had enough of a cushion to stay in control.
