Duleep Trophy | South on top even as Jagadeesan misses out on double ton

A horror mix-up cost South Zone’s N. Jagadeesan a double century against North Zone on the second day of the Duleep Trophy semifinal at BCCI COE Ground (1) here on Friday.

Jagadeesan’s long vigil was cut short on 197, courtesy a run-out involving partner Ricky Bhui. The Tamil Nadu opener’s knock, to go with contributions from Bhui (54) and Tanay Thyagarajan (58), took South Zone to a commanding 536 by end of play.

After batting nearly four full sessions, Jagadeesan was left fuming when Bhui did not respond to a quick single call. Both Jagadeesan and Bhui were left stranded at the same end. Bhui was expected to sacrifice his wicket for the set batter, but it was not to be. An upset Jagadeesan remonstrated and left the ground, while Bhui threw his head back in despair.

Bhui went on to build a steady partnership with Salman Nizar, who made 29. Hyderabad’s Tanay and Gurjapneet Singh (29) then frustrated North with a 63-run eighth-wicket stand.

The North bowlers had a tough time on a slow, low pitch.

Left-arm spinner Nishant Sindhu toiled hard, bowling 47.2 overs to finish with figures of five for 125.

In the other semifinal, Central Zone fought hard against West Zone. West was only able to add 75 runs to its overnight total, and was dismissed for 438. Tanush Kotian (76) and skipper Shardul Thakur (64) missed out on centuries, as spinners Saransh Jain and Harsh Dubey picked up quick wickets.

In reply, the Central top-order stayed compact to guide the side to 229 for two. Shubham Sharma (60 batting) and Rajat Patidar (47 batting) looked in good touch, and will hold the key to Central’s hopes of taking the all-important first innings lead.

The scores: At BCCI COE Ground (1): South Zone 536 in 169.2 overs (Tanmay Agarwal 43, N. Jagadeesan 197, Devdutt Padikkal 57, Ricky Bhui 54, Tanay Thyagarajan 58, Nishant Sindhu 5/125) vs North Zone.

At BCCI COE Ground (2): West Zone 438 in 108 overs (Ruturaj Gaikwad 184, Tanush Kotian 76, Shardul Thakur 64, Saransh Jain 3/121, Harsh Dubey 3/118) vs Central Zone 229/2 in 67 overs (Ayush Pandey 40, Danish Malewar 76, Shubham Sharma 60 batting, Rajat Patidar 47 batting).