North and Central Zones Secure Duleep Trophy Semi-Final Berths

Ayush Badoni's unbeaten 204 guided North Zone to a commanding position against East Zone in their Duleep Trophy quarter-final clash. Resuming on a substantial lead, North Zone extended their innings to 658 for 4 in the second innings. Ankit Kumar narrowly missed a double century, falling two runs short at 198.

Despite a spirited effort from the East Zone bowlers, they struggled to contain North Zone's batting lineup, with Mukhtar Hussain picking up a wicket. Nishant Sindhu and Badoni added 157 runs for the fifth wicket before Sindhu was dismissed. North Zone, having already secured their semi-final spot, will now face South Zone. The match ended in a draw, with North Zone scoring 405 and 658/4, while East Zone scored 230 in their first innings.

In the second quarter-final, Central Zone and North East Zone also played out a draw. Central Zone had established a significant first-innings lead. In pursuit of 679, North East Zone's batsmen put up a resilient performance on the final day. Rongsen Jonathan and Jehu Anderson scored half-centuries, with Anderson contributing 64 and Jonathan adding 60.

Central Zone's bowlers, including Shubham Sharma who took two wickets, tried to force a result, but the lower order of North East Zone managed to hold on until the end. Central Zone declared their second innings at 331 for 7, with Shubham Sharma scoring 122 and Yash Rathod adding 78. Central Zone will now face West Zone in the semi-finals.