Duleep Trophy: Day 2 Roundup

North Zone vs East Zone

Auqib Nabi's all-round efforts put North Zone in a strong position in their quarterfinal clash against East Zone. North Zone posted a strong total of 405 despite Manishi's 6 for 111. Nabi (5-28) then combined with Harshit Rana (2-56) to prevent East Zone's innings from taking off as they were bowled out for 230 to concede a lead of 175.

Nabi led a fine counter-attack, striking 5 fours and 2 sixes in his 33-ball 44 that took the total forward. Virat Singh (69) was the only East Zone batter to cross fifty as Rana and Co. bagged regular wickets.

Central Zone vs North East Zone

Danish Malewar's maiden first-class double hundred, Yash Rathod's 87, and a strong bowling performance led by Aditya Thakare and Harsh Dubey put Central Zone in command against North East Zone. Central Zone posted a sizable 532/4 declared before reducing North East Zone to 168/7 by Stumps on Day 2.

Malewar brought up a double hundred before retiring out. Rathod then struck a brisk 87 not out, including 11 fours, and put on a good stand with Shubham Sharma (32) to take the team past 500 before they declared. Karnajit Yumnam's 48 led a steady reply for North East Zone but they ended up losing wickets regularly after a 72-run opening stand.