Duleep Trophy: Rajat Patidar hits quickfire ton, Mohammed Shami puts solid shift

Central Zone captain Rajat Patidar set the tone on Day 1 of the Duleep Trophy 2025 quarter-final clash against North East Zone with a blistering century at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground B, Bengaluru, on Thursday, August 28.

Patidar, fresh from leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their maiden IPL title earlier this year, was handed leadership duties in the zonal red-ball competition and delivered in style. The Madhya Pradesh batter hammered 125 runs off just 96 deliveries, an innings decorated with 21 fours and three sixes. His intent from the outset put Central Zone firmly in control as he dispatched the bowling attack all around the park.

If Patidar provided the spark, it was Danish Malewar who provided the substance. Walking in at No.3, the right-hander played the anchor role to perfection, finishing unbeaten on 198 off 219 balls at stumps. His knock, laced with 35 boundaries and a six, ensured Central Zone ended the day in a dominant position at 432/2. Malewar’s composure and shot-making meant that despite Patidar’s dismissal, the scoring momentum never dipped.

SOLID RETURN FOR SHAMI

Over in another quarter-final fixture, senior India pacer Mohammed Shami made his presence felt on his comeback for East Zone against North Zone. Bowling 17 overs, Shami struck in his third spell to dismiss Salil Lotra for 14, after a probing line and length eventually induced an edge to the keeper. Though he looked rusty in his initial spells, his rhythm improved as the day wore on — a promising sign after a long layoff.

North Zone ended Day 1 on 308/6, with Ayush Badoni’s fluent 63 off 60 the standout effort. Several batters chipped in with starts but failed to convert them into bigger scores.

Meanwhile, Mukesh Kumar raised concerns when he briefly walked off the field with a suspected niggle. The pacer did return to bowl later, but with BCCI’s new injury-replacement rule now in effect, his participation in the remainder of the match will be closely monitored.

With Patidar’s aggression, Malewar’s marathon knock, and Shami’s encouraging spell, the Duleep Trophy’s opening day provided a blend of fireworks and intrigue across both fixtures.