Mukesh Kumar's Seven-Wicket Haul and Ishan-Vaibhav Blaster Sink Central Zone

Domestic red-ball tournaments frequently deliver high-octane drama, tactical battles, and exceptional individual performances that shape the future of Indian cricket. In a high-stakes encounter that tested temperament and skill, East Zone demonstrated incredible composure to overcome a formidable opponent.Displaying clinical discipline with both bat and ball, East Zone defeated defending champions Central Zone by four wickets in a thrilling semi-final clash at the Centre of Excellence (COE) Ground in Bengaluru, officially securing their coveted spot in the Duleep Trophy final. Pace spearhead Mukesh Kumar delivered a match-winning bowling performance, earning the Player of the Match award for picking up seven wickets across the fixture.Mukesh Kumar and Shami Dismantle Central Zone's Batting LineupResuming their second innings on the final day at 45 for 3, Central Zone needed a solid partnership to post a challenging target. However, opening bowler Abhijit Sarkar struck early, dismissing Aryan Pandey for 10, before Mohammed Shami trapped Yash Rathod lbw for 5 to leave Central Zone struggling at 5-wicket down.A brief 32-run resistance was built by Aman Mokhade and Rinku Singh, but a middle-order collapse quickly unraveled the innings. Mokhade fought hard for his 41 before falling to Mukesh Kumar, while Rinku Singh was dismissed for 20 by Mohammad Kunain Qureshi. Central Zone's lower order offered little resistance, folding for 158 runs in their second innings.Mukesh Kumar spearheaded the attack with brilliant figures, claiming four wickets for 44 runs. He was ably supported by Mohammed Shami, who picked up three wickets, alongside single strikes from Abhijit Sarkar, Anukul Roy, and Kunain Qureshi, setting East Zone a target of 159.Ishan Kishan and Vaibhav Suryavanshi Seal the Run ChaseChasing 159 for victory, East Zone began aggressively. Young batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi and experienced opener Abhimanyu Easwaran laid a solid foundation with a brisk 61-run opening partnership. Suryavanshi played a dazzling knock of 40 runs from just 43 deliveries, hammering three boundaries and two massive sixes before being caught off Yash Thakur. Easwaran contributed a steady 24 runs.Although spinner Harsh Dubey struck back for Central Zone by removing Virat Singh (12) and Kumar Kushagra (22) to stall the chase, East Zone captain Ishan Kishan stood firm under pressure. Showing immense tactical maturity, Kishan anchored the innings to the end, scoring an unbeaten 39 off 41 balls—featuring four fours and a six—to guide East Zone across the finish line with four wickets in hand. Harsh Dubey was the pick of the bowlers for Central Zone with four wickets, but East Zone's resilience ultimately secured a memorable victory and a place in the tournament final.