Kishan was the centrepiece of the innings, producing a breathtaking 270 from 334 balls. His knock contained 30 fours and seven sixes and became the eighth-highest individual score in Duleep Trophy history. The East Zone captain resumed from his overnight 111 and wasted little time in taking the attack to South Zone’s bowlers.
Kushagra provided the perfect support as the pair continued the assault after East resumed on 385/4. South Zone took the new ball after just one over, hoping to break the partnership, but neither Siraj nor Nidheesh could make an early impact. The introduction of Vijay and Shreyas Gopal also failed to change the course of the innings.
Kushagra eventually reached his sixth first-class century, scoring 101 off 132 deliveries with eight fours and five sixes. His dismissal at fine leg shortly before lunch finally ended the 144-run partnership, but Kishan continued to dominate.
The left-hander reached his double century from 270 balls and then accelerated dramatically. He moved past 250 and took East Zone beyond 600, while South Zone resorted to part-timers Devdutt Padikkal and Shaikh Rasheed in an attempt to contain him.
Kishan briefly retired because of fatigue but returned when wickets started to fall. Shami’s brisk 28 helped East approach the 700-run mark, prompting Kishan to resume his pursuit of a triple century.
However, he fell for 270 while attempting another big shot, caught near long-on. His dismissal ended hopes of a rare 300, but East Zone had already amassed a massive 708.
The enormous total leaves South Zone under immense pressure and puts East Zone firmly in the driving seat as they chase their first Duleep Trophy title in 13 years.
