Riding on performances from discarded Indian players, South Zone on Saturday booked their spot within the last of the Duleep Trophy 2023. Mayank Agarwal and Hanuma Vihari displayed superb knocks as they helped South Zone down 215 within the chase towards North Zone within the second semifinal in Bengaluru. Notably, West Zone additionally bagged a win and a spot within the last after a win in a rain-affected match towards Central Zone.
South Zone’s 2-wicket win over North
In the second semifinal, South Zone edged previous North because the match went down the wire within the latter levels. The rain affected the match on the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru however the climate gods supplied sufficient area within the last session to carry a outcome. South wanted 24 runs and had 5 wickets in hand however they misplaced a number of in bunches to make the competition spicy. Agarwal’s 54 off 57 and Hanuma Vihari’s 43 from 42 balls helped South make sturdy partnerships.
Meanwhile, ultimately, R Sai Kishore’s 15 from 11 balls after a number of helpful contributions got here from Ricky Bhui (34 from 29) and Tilak Varma (25 off 19).
West Zone’s match was drawn however they nonetheless qualify
Despite the match ending in a draw attributable to rain, West Zone certified for the finals, courtesy of their first innings lead within the first innings. Central Zone had been handed a frightening 390-run goal however they had been jolted with common blows earlier than the heaven gates opened.Â
Rinku Singh displayed an indication of resistance along with his 30-ball 40 nevertheless it was a one-way site visitors in any other case. Central Zone misplaced 4 wickets for 128 earlier than rain got here down. Earlier, Cheteshwar Pujara‘s ton helped West hit 297. In the primary innings, West Zone made 220 first and in reply Central Zone had been folded for simply 128.
The last will likely be performed between West and South and the match is about to be performed from July 12 onwards.
Notably, each Agarwal and Vihari are presently out of India’s group from a very long time and weren’t thought of for the upcoming Test collection vs West Indies.
