Chennai: East Zone, led by Ishan Kishan, have won the five-day Duleep Trophy final to become champions after a gap of 14 years. East Zone had previously won back-to-back titles in the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons.
The final witnessed an unprecedented run feast, with more than 1,400 runs scored over the course of the match. East Zone piled up 708 runs in their first innings, while South Zone replied with 336. On the final day, Thursday, East Zone declared their second innings at 388 for seven, after which the captains of both teams shook hands and agreed to settle for a draw. East Zone were therefore declared winners on the basis of their first-innings lead.
East Zone, who were on the verge of winning the championship, finished their second innings at 388 for seven. Adding their first-innings lead of 372 runs, they had a total advantage of 760 runs.
Three East Zone batters, including captain Ishan Kishan, scored half-centuries, while all-rounder Mohammad Konain Qureshi was unbeaten on 116 when the match was brought to an end.
Instead of declaring and handing South Zone an opportunity to bat in the second innings, East Zone made full use of the final day by continuing to bat and getting plenty of batting practice.
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