Central seize early edge after spinners dominate South

Central Zone seized early control of the Duleep Trophy final as their spin duo of Saransh Jain and Kumar Kartikeya dismantled South Zone’s batting on the opening day here on Thursday.

Jain (5/49) and Kartikeya (4/53) shared nine wickets between them to bowl out South for a modest 149 in 63 overs. In reply, Central’s openers Danish Malewar (28) and Akshay Wadkar (20) batted with composure to take their side to 50 without loss at stumps, reducing the deficit to 99 runs.

The day belonged to the Central spinners, who thrived on the tentative approach of South’s batters. Jain sent down 24 overs in a tireless spell, while Kartikeya relied on his orthodox left-arm spin rather than variations. Their accuracy and persistence exposed South’s lack of conviction at the crease.

South’s troubles began early when opener Mohit Kale (6) fell to an ill-advised sweep against Kartikeya. The innings suffered a bigger blow when a promising Tanmay Agarwal (31) was run out following a mid-pitch collision with partner Ricky Bhui (15). Captain Mohammed Azharuddeen’s dismissal, beaten by a beauty from Kartikeya that clipped his off stump underlined the mounting pressure.

The post-lunch session brought little respite. Tamil Nadu’s Andre Siddarth, after briefly showing intent with a stylish flick, misjudged the flight and was stumped off Kartikeya. Later, Salman Nizar (24), the last recognised batter, fell to a loose prod against Jain, extinguishing South’s hopes of crossing 200. Jain went on to complete his ninth five-wicket haul in first-class cricket, his second in successive matches after doing the same in the semifinal.

Central, in contrast, looked assured with the bat. Malewar set the tone with back-to-back boundaries off pacer Gurjapneet Singh, while Wadkar provided solid support. The openers’ unbroken 50-run stand highlighted the gulf in temperament between the two sides, leaving Central firmly in command at the end of day one.