Central Zone produced a commanding display in the Duleep Trophy, declaring their innings at 532 for 4 against North East Zone in Bengaluru. The hero of the day was young Vidarbha batter Danish Malewar, who hammered a majestic 203 before retiring out—a rare feat in Indian cricket that hasn’t been seen in more than eight decades.
The 21-year-old, already a rising name in domestic cricket, showcased a mix of patience, class, and aggression. Walking in early, Malewar first stabilized the innings with Aryan Juyal, who made a gritty 60. Once set, he shifted gears to build a mammoth 199-run partnership with Rajat Patidar, whose quickfire 125 off just 96 balls set the tone for Central Zone’s dominance. By the end of Day 1, Central Zone had already piled up 432 for 2, with Malewar unbeaten on 198 and the opposition bowlers visibly drained.
On Day 2, Malewar reached his double century in style before choosing to retire out on 203 from 222 deliveries—a gesture rarely seen in modern cricket. He became the first Indian batter in 81 years to register a double hundred and then voluntarily step aside, an act that allowed his teammates to accelerate further and keep the pressure on. His innings included 36 crisp boundaries and a six, leaving no doubt about his intent.
After Malewar’s exit, Yash Rathod carried the momentum forward with an unbeaten 87, ensuring Central Zone crossed the 500-mark with authority. Every batsman who walked in looked to dominate, as North East Zone’s bowlers struggled for control and rhythm.
When it was their turn with the ball, Central Zone continued to stamp their authority. Pacers Aditya Thakare and Harsh Dubey ripped through the opposition’s top order, leaving North East reeling at 168 for 7 by stumps on Day 2. The deficit of 364 runs paints a daunting picture, with Central Zone firmly in command and an innings victory well within reach.
For Malewar, this knock is more than just a personal milestone—it signals the arrival of a potential future star for Indian cricket. To deliver such a high-impact performance on debut in the Duleep Trophy not only highlights his technical maturity but also his mental resilience. His ability to adapt to situations, dominate quality bowling, and then selflessly retire out shows the mindset of a team player with a long career ahead of him.
As the Duleep Trophy progresses, Central Zone’s massive first-innings statement has already shifted the balance heavily in their favor. For North East Zone, the challenge is survival first and pride second. Unless their middle and lower order show extraordinary resistance, the match could be decided much sooner than expected.
In a tournament that often acts as a proving ground for future India prospects, Danish Malewar’s double ton and the manner in which he achieved it have put his name on the radar. Central Zone, with a 364-run cushion and bowling firepower, now look destined for a semifinal berth, while the cricketing world has found a new talent to keep an eye on.
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