Shubham’s Heroics Keep North in Contention as Central Nears Final Berth in Duleep Trophy 2025 Semis

Shubham Khajuria (128*, 245b, 20×4, 1×6) showcased remarkable resilience on Friday as North Zone experienced a setback in their Duleep Trophy semifinal against South Zone at the BCCI CoE Ground (1) in Bengaluru.

Despite South Zone’s imposing total of 536, opener Khajuria, from Jammu and Kashmir, remained steadfast throughout the day, guiding North Zone to 278 for five. The path for North Zone on the final day could have been less challenging if not for losing two late wickets. Nishant Sindhu (82, 148b, 9×4, 1×6), who provided strong support to Khajuria in their 171-run fourth-wicket partnership, was dismissed shortly before the close of play.

Two overs after Sindhu succumbed to a reckless uppercut to pacer Gurjapneet Singh, sharp fielding by Mohammed Azharuddeen led to Kanhaiya Wadhawan being run out, putting South Zone back in contention.

In the other semifinal, Upendra Yadav and Harsh Dubey pulled Central Zone out of a precarious position at 322 for five, forging a 134-run sixth-wicket partnership against West Zone.

North Zone’s position deteriorated from 272 for three to a tense 272 for five. Yet, they can rely on Khajuria’s steady presence as they aim to overcome a 258-run innings deficit.

South Zone’s Salman Nizar experienced an injury scare after being hit on the leg while fielding at silly point. Lacking immediate medical assistance, Nizar was carried off by teammates and later taken for treatment by ambulance, eventually returning to the field later in the day.

Meanwhile, at the adjacent BCCI CoE Ground (2), Central Zone overtook West Zone’s first-innings score of 438. Overnight players Shubham Sharma (96) and Rajat Patidar (77) made a good start, but it was largely the efforts of Upendra Yadav (87, 181b, 8×4, 2×6) and Harsh Dubey (75, 93b, 13×4) that steadied the team. With a lead of 114 runs and barring unexpected developments, Central appears poised to reach the final.

The scores:

At BCCI CoE Ground (1):
South Zone 536
vs
North Zone 278/5 in 79 overs
(Shubham Khajuria 128*, Ayush Badoni 40, Nishant Sindhu 82, Gurjapneet Singh 3/67).

At BCCI CoE Ground (2):
West Zone 438
vs
Central Zone 556/8 in 157 overs
(Ayush Pandey 40, Danish Malewar 76, Shubham Sharma 96, Rajat Patidar 77, Upendra Yadav 87, Harsh Dubey 75, Saransh Jain 37*, Deepak Chahar 33, Dharmendrasinh Jadeja 4/101).

Published on Sep 06, 2025