RCB skipper’s unthinkable heroics stun fans in Duleep Trophy Final | Cricket News – The Times of India

Rajat Patidar has been in prime type in the Duleep Trophy remaining (Screengrabs/BCCI)

Central Zone captain Rajat Patidar as soon as once more stole the highlight in the Duleep Trophy remaining, following up his fielding brilliance on the opening day with a commanding century that put his staff firmly in management towards South Zone. On Friday, Patidar struck 101 off 115 deliveries, together with his innings that includes 12 fours and two sixes, to stretch Central’s benefit. Walking in at 74/2 after 30 overs, the skipper anchored the innings and solely departed as soon as his facet had reached 260. By tea on Day 2, Central Zone had reached 276 for 5 in 72 overs, holding a 127-run lead.Besides Patidar, opener Danish Malewar chipped in with a half-century, with Yash Rathod additionally getting a fifty. Patidar’s effort with the bat carried on from his acrobatic try on Thursday, when he pulled off a sensational diving catch that went viral inside minutes. The second arrived in the forty ninth over of South Zone’s innings after off-spinner Saransh Jain received further bounce towards Salman Nizar.Watch Patidar’s century celebration right hereThe ball bounced off the batter’s glove and in the direction of foolish level, the place the fielder didn’t cling on. Patidar, standing at gully, reacted immediately, diving ahead to gather the rebound simply earlier than it touched the bottom. The skipper’s fast considering summed up a dominant begin for Central Zone, who had bowled South out for simply 149 in 63 overs. Having opted to bowl first after successful the toss, Central’s openers Danish Malewar (28*) and Akshay Wadkar (20*) ensured the day ended with their facet on 50 with out loss, narrowing the deficit to 99. Patidar’s position in the ultimate has been decisive. Already carrying 268 runs in three innings this season at a median of 68.33, his newest century has additional strengthened Central Zone’s grip.

The 32-yr-previous, who earlier this yr led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their maiden IPL crown, continues to be the pivotal determine in his staff’s pursuit of the Duleep Trophy title.