Ishan Kishan scored 111 not out to guide East Zone to 385 for four on the opening day of the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone in Chennai.
The wicketkeeper absorbed early pressure against Mohammed Siraj and Chama Milind before accelerating his scoring rate in the final session. His renewed domestic red-ball focus paid dividends as he reached his 10th first-class century off 122 deliveries. He struck 14 fours and two sixes, punishing spinner Shreyas Gopal down the ground.
Countering The Pace Attack
Kishan and Kumar Kushagra built a 144-run stand for the fifth wicket without being separated. Kushagra ended the session on 63 not out from 75 deliveries, clearing the ropes five times.
Mohammed Siraj delivered 14 overs without taking a wicket, leaking 96 runs. Chama Milind returned two for 56, using a short delivery to dismiss Shikhar Mohan for 85. Tripurana Vijay claimed a single wicket while conceding 114 runs.
Opening batter Abhimanyu Easwaran scored 72 before falling to a run-out. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi struck 44 from 37 deliveries as the pair established a 100-run platform. Former India player WV Raman praised the young opener’s development.
“The important thing about any youngster is to see whether he is improving which he is doing,” Raman said.
This imposing batting display will stretch the Test title credentials of the opposition bowlers. Play resumes on Monday as East Zone look to press their first-innings advantage.
