Kumar Kartikeya claims twin four-wicket hauls in Duleep Trophy final
What's the story
In a dramatic turn of events, Ankit Sharma and C Andre Siddarth's valiant efforts helped South Zone avoid an innings defeat in the ongoing Duleep Trophy final against Central Zone. The duo added 192 runs for the seventh wicket to frustrate CZONE bowlers. However, despite their heroics, a sudden collapse saw the team's second innings end on Day 4. Left-arm spinner Kumar Kartikeya took his second four-wicket haul in the game as CZONE are set to taste the glory.
Match dynamics
A fine spell from Kartikeya
CZONE had a 362-run lead in the first innings. However, SZONE batted well in the third innings as they resumed Day 4 at 129/2. Kartikeya trapped opposition skipper Mohammed Azharuddeen for 27 to open his account. Smaran Ravichandran (67) and Salman Nizar were his next victims as SZONE were reduced to 222/6. Kartikeya later broke the 192-run partnership by trapping Ankit for 99. This wicket ignited another collapse as SZONE (426/10) lost their last four wickets for just 12 runs.
Kartikeya
Here are his stats
Kartikeya, who claimed 4/53 on Day 1 of the game, dismissed four batters in his second outing as well. His figures in the second innings read 4/110 from 39 overs. The spinner has now accounted for 176 wickets from 39 red-ball games at an average of around 22. The 2025 Duleep Trophy final marked his career's ninth four-wicket haul. He also owns nine fifers.
Saransh
Three more wickets for Saransh
Off-spinner Saransh Jain, who claimed a fifer in the first innings, also continued his golden run in the game. He finished with 3/130 from 42 overs in the third innings. Saransh now has 148 FC wickets at an average of under 30. The one in the ongoing summit clash was his ninth five-wicket haul in red-ball cricket. His and Kartikeya's combined efforts mean CZONE need to accomplish a paltry 65-run target to win the game on Day 5.