The Duleep Trophy 2025 final between South Zone and Central Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru was a battle of attrition, skill, and nerves. Over five days of intense first-class cricket, South Zone emerged victorious, showcasing resilience and tactical brilliance to lift the prestigious domestic title. The match had everything—early collapses, stunning spells, gritty partnerships, and a final day flourish that sealed the win for South Zone in dramatic fashion.

Day 1: Spin Dominates as South Zone Crumble

Central Zone won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that paid immediate dividends. South Zone’s batting lineup, which had looked formidable throughout the tournament, was dismantled by a spin duo that proved unplayable on a dry Bengaluru surface. Saransh Jain and Kumar Kartikeya shared nine wickets between them, with Jain claiming 5 for 49 and Kartikeya 4 for 53.

South Zone were bowled out for a modest 149 in just 63 overs. The innings lacked rhythm, with only Ricky Bhui showing some resistance with a gritty 38. The rest of the lineup struggled to read the turn and bounce, and Central Zone’s fielding was sharp, converting half-chances into breakthroughs.

By stumps, Central Zone had reached 50 for no loss, trailing by just 99 runs and looking in complete control.

Day 2: Central Zone Build Lead, South Zone Fight Back

Central Zone began Day 2 with confidence, and their openers Danish Malewar and Akshay Wadkar extended the lead with a steady partnership. Malewar’s 58 and Wadkar’s 47 laid the foundation, but South Zone’s bowlers clawed back in the second session. Left-arm pacer Prithvi Raj and off-spinner Washington Sundar triggered a mini-collapse, picking up key wickets and slowing the scoring rate.

Central Zone were eventually bowled out for 235, earning an 86-run lead. While the advantage was significant, South Zone had managed to prevent a runaway score and kept themselves in the contest.

Day 3: South Zone’s Middle Order Rises

With the pressure mounting, South Zone needed a strong second innings to stay alive. The top order once again faltered, but the middle order responded with grit. Ricky Bhui led the charge with a composed 72, supported by Washington Sundar’s 48 and a crucial 39 from wicketkeeper S Lokesh.

The pitch had flattened out slightly, and South Zone capitalized, posting 268 in their second innings. This gave them a lead of 182, a defendable total given the conditions and the quality of their bowling attack.

Day 4: Central Zone Stumble in Chase

Chasing 183 for the title, Central Zone began cautiously. However, South Zone’s bowlers were relentless. Prithvi Raj struck early, removing both openers within the first 10 overs. The pressure mounted as Washington Sundar and left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore tightened the screws.

Rajat Patidar and Yash Rathod attempted to stabilize the innings, but the required run rate and scoreboard pressure began to tell. Patidar’s 35 and Rathod’s 21 were valiant efforts, but wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals.

By the end of Day 4, Central Zone were 141 for 7, still needing 42 runs with only the tail left. The match was delicately poised, and fans anticipated a thrilling finish.

Day 5: South Zone Seal the Deal

The final day began with tension in the air. Central Zone needed a miracle, while South Zone needed discipline. Prithvi Raj delivered early, removing the dangerous Ankit Sharma with a sharp inswinger. The tail tried to resist, but R Sai Kishore wrapped up the innings with two quick wickets.

Central Zone were bowled out for 164, falling short by 18 runs. South Zone erupted in celebration, having pulled off a remarkable comeback after a poor first innings. The victory was a testament to their depth, adaptability, and fighting spirit.

Key Performers

• Ricky Bhui: The South Zone batter was the backbone of both innings, scoring 38 and 72 under pressure. His ability to anchor and accelerate made the difference.
• Saransh Jain: Despite ending on the losing side, his five-wicket haul in the first innings was instrumental in giving Central Zone an early edge.
• Prithvi Raj: The left-arm pacer was lethal throughout the match, picking up crucial wickets in both innings and setting the tone for South Zone’s defense.
• Washington Sundar: With both bat and ball, Sundar was a standout performer. His 48 in the second innings and tight spells helped swing momentum.

Tactical Brilliance

South Zone’s win was not just about individual brilliance—it was about smart cricket. Their decision to play three spinners paid off on a turning track. The batting order was shuffled to protect key players from spin, and field placements were aggressive throughout.

Litton Das, the stand-in captain, was praised for his proactive leadership. His bowling changes, use of short-leg fielders, and trust in young players like Prithvi Raj showed maturity and tactical acumen.

Central Zone’s Missed Opportunity

For Central Zone, the loss was a bitter pill. After dominating the first two days, they failed to capitalize on their lead. Their batting lacked intent in the second innings, and their bowlers couldn’t replicate the magic of Day 1.

Still, the team showed promise. Rajat Patidar and Saransh Jain were consistent, and the squad’s depth suggests they’ll be contenders in future tournaments.

Final Thoughts

The South Zone vs Central Zone final was a classic Duleep Trophy encounter—low scores, high drama, and a result that went down to the wire. South Zone’s triumph was a celebration of domestic cricket’s grit and unpredictability. It reminded fans that in red-ball cricket, momentum can shift in a session, and champions are forged not just by talent, but by temperament.

As the dust settles in Bengaluru, South Zone will savor their hard-earned victory, while Central Zone will regroup and reflect. For cricket lovers, this match was a reminder of why the Duleep Trophy remains one of India’s most cherished domestic competitions.