Mohammed Shami’s much-anticipated comeback to red-ball cricket arrived at the Duleep Trophy, where the veteran pacer delivered a steady spell that showed glimpses of his old rhythm. Turning out for East Zone against North Zone, Shami bowled with discipline to finish with figures of 1/55 in 17 overs. While he did not quite rip through the opposition, his presence brought stability to the attack and provided a crucial breakthrough, dismissing Sahil Lotra. For Indian selectors and fans, the fact that he looked fit and capable of maintaining intensity across long spells was perhaps the biggest positive, given his long absence from competitive cricket.
North Zone, however, refused to be subdued and fought back hard, riding on the efforts of Ayush Badoni who played a fluent knock of 63 off just 60 balls. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals to East Zone’s disciplined bowling, they managed to reach 308 for 6 by stumps. The damage came largely through the guile of spinner Manishi, who picked up three vital wickets—all through lbw decisions that stifled North Zone’s middle order. His effort ensured that East Zone ended the day in a slightly stronger position, applying enough pressure to keep the game delicately balanced.
At the parallel fixture in the tournament, Central Zone completely dominated proceedings against North East Zone. Danish Malewar announced himself with a magnificent unbeaten 198, falling just short of a double century, while Rajat Patidar tore into the opposition attack with a blistering 125 off only 96 deliveries. Their assault left North East Zone without answers as Central Zone raced to a formidable 432 for 2 at the close. Patidar, known for his strokeplay in shorter formats, brought that same fearless aggression to first-class cricket, smashing 21 boundaries and three sixes. The contrasting styles of Malewar’s patient anchoring and Patidar’s fireworks turned the game into a one-sided contest.
The stark contrast between the two matches on opening day highlighted the different narratives developing in the tournament. East Zone’s contest with North Zone remains tightly fought, hinging on bowling pressure and tactical discipline, with the batters yet to fully stamp authority. Central Zone, by contrast, already looks to have taken decisive control of their game, with North East Zone staring at the prospect of chasing leather for most of the next two days.
For Shami, the comeback will be measured less by numbers and more by how he sustains himself across spells and matches. The Duleep Trophy serves as a proving ground for India’s fringe and senior players alike, and his ability to bowl long overs without discomfort will be closely monitored. With the national side always searching for experienced pace options ahead of major overseas assignments, Shami’s return could not have been timed better.
As the competition moves forward, the next few days will determine whether East Zone can convert their slight edge into a commanding position, or if North Zone’s batting depth can turn things around. Simultaneously, all eyes will be on Central Zone’s batting juggernaut and whether North East Zone can muster a fightback against a mountain of runs. The early signs promise a fascinating week of cricket, blending comebacks, dominance, and the ever-present uncertainty that defines the Duleep Trophy.
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