Riyan Parag’s 95 in vain as South Zone beat East Zone to win Deodhar Trophy

By India Today Sports Desk: South Zone delivered an impressive 45-run triumph against East Zone in the Deodhar Trophy final that unfolded in Puducherry on Thursday. The victory underscored their cricketing prowess as it marked the ninth time South Zone secured the title.

Enigmatic opening batter, Rohan Kunnummal, kick-started South Zone’s robust performance by scoring 107 runs from a mere 75 balls, stunning spectators with four sixes and 11 fours. This blazing performance paved the way for South Zone to amass an intimidating total of 328 for eight in their designated overs.

On the other hand, East Zone found it difficult to keep the momentum going as their top order faltered early at 75 for four within the first 16 overs. The pressure was on, with the task of chasing South Zone’s score appearing monumental. Riyan Parag and Kumar Kushagra from East Zone valiantly tried to recover their lost ground with a sparking 105-run partnership for the sixth wicket, though they tragically fell short.

Parag’s innings was particularly noteworthy as he smashed 95 runs from just 65 balls, which included eight fours and five sixes. His dismissal by Washington Sundar in the 38th over, however, diminished East Zone’s hope for victory.

Kushagra battled on, scoring 68 runs off 58 balls, but his eventual dismissal led to South Zone claiming victory. East Zone was bowled out for 283 runs in 46.1 overs, giving South Zone a comfortable lead.

The early stages of East Zone’s chase witnessed Abhimanyu Easwaran and Virat Singh fall due to Vasuki Koushik’s excellent attack. Vidwath Kaverappa furthered the disarray by dismissing Utkarsh Singh, leaving East Zone in a weakened state at 14 for three.

Earlier, South Zone captain Mayank Agarwal made a wise decision to bat first, and the stratagem proved fruitful as Kerala’s Kunnummal unleashed his batting prowess. Accumulating 181 runs with Agarwal, they created a robust foundation for the South Zone’s display.

Narayan Jagadeesan, with his cautiously crafted 54 off 60 balls, further aided South Zone’s innings. While the subsequent batting order could not achieve the same level of impact, South Zone had already set the benchmark with its performance.

South Zone’s victory concludes an exciting month of cricket, having also emerged victorious in the Duleep Trophy final over East Zone, further demonstrating their cricketing acumen. South Zone has maintained an unblemished record, winning all five of their league matches in the Deodhar Trophy.