Saransh, Kartikeya assist Central Zone bundle out South for 149

A poor batting effort left South Zone in a gap on the primary day of the Duleep Trophy ultimate towards Central Zone on the BCCI CoE Ground (1) right here on Thursday.

Dreadful shot choice, an absence of temperament, and a slipshod run-out triggered South Zone to be dismissed for a paltry 149. Spinners Saransh Jain (5 for 49) and Kumar Kartikeya (4 for 53) saved it tight, and reaped enormous rewards.

By cruising alongside to 50 for no loss by shut of play, Central Zone proved that there have been no demons on this pitch.

South Zone’s sub-standard show started with opener Mohit Kale (9), who tried a wild slog sweep to left-arm spinner Kartikeya. Kale fully missed and misplaced his stumps.

Karnataka batter R. Smaran, drafted in as a substitute for Devdutt Padikkal, equally threw away his wicket. Smaran miscued a hoick off Kartikeya, and supplied a catch to mid-wicket.

Tanmay Agarwal (31, 76b, 3×4) confirmed some grit, till a comical mix-up despatched him again. Coming again for a second, Tanmay slammed into companion Ricky Bhui in the midst of the pitch, and was run-out by miles.

Skipper Mohammed Azharuddeen was the uncommon batter to fall purely to the bowler’s ability. A magnificence from Kartikeya pitched outdoors leg, squared Azharuddeen up, and fizzed throughout to hit off-stump.

Off-spinner Saransh entered the motion, scalping Ricky Bhui (15) leg-before. With loads of loop and switch, Saransh then enticed Andre Siddarth (12) out of the crease. Siddarth performed throughout it, permitting wicketkeeper Upendra Yadav to impact a sensible stumping.

Salman Nizar (24) and Ankit Sharma (20) hung round, however there can be no stopping Central’s march.

Kartikeya, who didn’t characteristic within the earlier two rounds of this event, was thrilled to seize this chance. Kartikeya, who bowls orthodox and wrist spin with equal effectivity, was not picked for the zonal groups within the final two seasons regardless of high-quality performances within the Ranji Trophy.

“I used to be picked for this match as a result of some gamers had been chosen for the India ‘A’ crew. It was essential for me to seize this opportunity,” Kartikeya mentioned.

The scores: South Zone 149 in 63 overs (Tanmay Agarwal 31, Kumar Kartikeya 4/53, Saransh Jain 5/49) vs Central Zone 50 for no loss in 19 overs.