East Zone march into semifinals after commanding innings win

Shahbaz Ahmed's commanding 167 and a five-wicket haul from Anukul Roy powered East Zone to an emphatic innings-and-210-run victory over North East Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2 on Tuesday.

East Zone first piled up a massive 467 before Abhijit Sarkar's five-wicket haul helped bowl North East Zone out for just 111 in their first innings. Forced to follow on, North East Zone fared little better, being dismissed for 146 as Anukul claimed five wickets to seal one of the most lopsided results of the tournament so far.

Shahbaz and Gharami build a huge total

Shahbaz was the centrepiece of East Zone's imposing first-innings score, struck 167 off 244 balls with 17 fours and four sixes. Sudip Kumar Gharami played a major supporting role, hitting 146 off 185 deliveries, laced with 25 fours and a six.

East Zone had slipped to 138 for five, but the pair put the innings back on track with a crucial partnership. Shahbaz continued to drive the side towards a commanding total even after Gharami was dismissed, and East Zone eventually close on 467 in 112.5 overs.

Sarkar sparks the collapse

North East Zone struggled to cope with East Zone's bowling attack and were rolled over for Just 111 in 82.5 (read 105) overs. Sarkar was the pick of the bowlers, returning impressive figures of 5-20 in 9.5 overs, while Shahbaz chipped in with 3-20. Arpit Bhatewara top-scored with 32 and captain Rongsen Jonathan made 21, but the rest of the batting line-up failed to offer much resistance.

Anukul completes the job

Forced to follow on, North East Zone were soon in trouble at 10 for one. Pheiroijam Jotin offered some resistance with 39, while Akash Choudhary scored 27 and Kishan Lyngdoh made 25. Anukul then took charge and of the attack finished with 5-37 from 15 overs.

Youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also impressed with two wickets, while Mukesh Kumar and Sarkar picked up one apiece. North East Zone were eventually dismissed for 146 in 50 overs, handing East Zone a comprehensive innings-and-210-run victory.

Shami looking for a better outing

While the younger bowlers impressed with disciplined lengths and regular breakthroughs, East Zone's most experienced pacer Mohammed returned series quick Mohammed Shami had a quietly outing. The India fast bowler went wicket less in both innings and will be hoping for a stronger performance when East Zone return to action in the semifinal.