North Zone vs East Zone: Duleep Trophy Quarterfinal Begins with Balanced Battle

The opening day of the Duleep Trophy 2025 quarterfinal between North Zone and East Zone in Bengaluru saw an even contest unfold. North Zone, put in to bat, ended the day at 308 for six, with both sides finding moments of control. For fans following domestic cricket closely, the match already promises an intense fight over the next few days.

East Zone bowlers made early inroads, reducing North Zone to a shaky start. Spinner Manishi emerged as the most effective bowler, picking up three wickets at key moments to stall partnerships. Mohammed Shami, returning to first-class cricket, also made his presence felt with a wicket, reminding everyone of his ability to deliver in red-ball formats.

For North Zone, stability came from the middle order. Ayush Badoni’s composed 63 runs stood out, adding crucial resistance after the top order faltered. The lower order also chipped in to push the score past 300, ensuring that North Zone ended the day with a competitive total on the board rather than being bowled out cheaply.

The pitch at Bengaluru offered batting opportunities, but East Zone’s disciplined attack prevented North Zone from running away with the advantage. With the second day ahead, North Zone will look to stretch their total closer to 350, while East Zone will be eager to wrap up the innings quickly and respond strongly with the bat.

For fans in Tier 2 cities, where domestic cricket often connects directly to local talent and future national players, the Duleep Trophy remains a platform of pride. Performances from players like Manishi and Badoni serve as reminders that zonal cricket continues to shape India’s cricketing future.

As the match progresses, the balance between bat and ball will decide which zone takes control. The opening day highlighted grit, pressure, and moments of brilliance—elements that keep domestic tournaments like the Duleep Trophy relevant for both players and fans across the country