Central Zone advanced to the Duleep Trophy semi-finals on the strength of a first-innings lead after their quarter-final clash with North East Zone ended in a draw at the BCCI CoE Ground 2 on Sunday. Despite the result favouring Central Zone, the gritty performance of the North East side drew high praise, particularly from the Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA).
Central Zone had posted a massive 532/4 in their first innings, powered by Danish Malewar’s double century, before bowling out North East Zone for 185 to secure a decisive 347-run lead. Declaring their second innings at 331/7, Central set an improbable target of 679 for the North East side on the final day.
North East Zone responded with determination, finishing their second innings at 200/6 to deny Central Zone an outright victory. Wicketkeeper-batter Jehu Anderson of Mizoram top-scored with 64 off 96 balls, while captain Rongsen Jonathan of Nagaland added a fluent 60 off 97 balls. The pair shared a crucial 110-run stand for the fourth wicket, frustrating the Central bowlers and ensuring the match ended in a stalemate.
Earlier, North East Zone lost both openers, Karnajit Yumnam and Techi Doria, in quick succession before Anderson and Jonathan steadied the innings. Harsh Dubey and Aditya Thakare took two wickets each for Central Zone, but the disciplined batting effort from the North East middle order prevented a collapse.
In a press release, NCA hailed the performance as a proud moment for the region. “This result speaks volumes about the shape of cricket in the North East. It is a proud moment for the entire region,” said NCA Hon. Secretary Hyunilo Anilo Khing.
“To compete with such courage against a team of that caliber shows the immense talent and fighting spirit of our players. We believe that with sustained focus and development, the North East Zone will continue this momentum and achieve even greater heights in the years to come,” he added.
Danish Malewar (203 & 15) of central Zone was awarded Player of the Match. Central Zone will face West Zone in the semi-final starting September 4.