South’s 192-run fightback not enough

South Zone’s fightback, powered by a gritty 192-run seventh-wicket stand between Ankit Sharma and teenager Andre Siddarth, briefly revived hopes on Day 4 of the Duleep Trophy final. But with only 65 runs needed for victory, Central Zone remain firm favourites to lift their first title in 11 years.

Resuming on 129/2, South Zone faced a stern examination in the morning session. Despite adding 120 runs, they lost four key wickets, slipping dangerously close to an innings defeat. Ricky Bhui (45) nicked Deepak Chahar, while Ravichandran Smaran (67) fell attempting a sweep off Kumar Kartikeya. Skipper Mohammed Azharuddeen (27) and Salman Nizar (12) also departed cheaply, leaving South reeling at 222/6.

That was when Ankit and Siddarth turned the tide. Displaying remarkable patience and resilience, the duo stitched together a marathon stand that frustrated Central’s bowlers through the second session. Ankit, the 34-year-old left-hander, defied pace and spin alike, batting with composure and grit. At the other end, 19-year-old Siddarth, nephew of former Tamil Nadu stalwart and selector Sridharan Sharath played with maturity beyond his age, mixing solid defence with occasional elegance.

The partnership not only lifted South past the innings defeat mark of 363 but also gave their innings much-needed backbone. For nearly two sessions, Central’s attack looked toothless as the pair negotiated turn, bounce, and testing pace spells.

But the resistance broke in heartbreaking fashion. Just one run short of a deserved century, Ankit tried to loft Kartikeya, only to hand Rajat Patidar a simple catch. His dismissal opened the floodgates, with South losing their last three wickets quickly. Siddarth, unbeaten on 84 off 190 balls, ran out of partners as South folded for 426.

Central’s spinners were the key, with Kartikeya (4/110) and Saransh Jain (3/130) sharing seven wickets. Set just 65 for victory, Central are poised to complete a comfortable chase on the final day, barring any last-minute drama.

South may take pride in Ankit and Siddarth’s valiant effort, but the Duleep Trophy seems destined to return to Central’s cabinet after over a decade.