Duleep Trophy final, Day 1: West Zone finish on 250/8
Wicket-keeper Het Patel helped West Zone recover from a batting collapse on Day 1 of the 2022 Duleep Trophy final. South Zone's Cheepurapalli Stephen and Basil Thampi uprooted the top-order batters, while spinner Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore scalped three wickets eventually. Meanwhile, Patel returned unbeaten (96*) as WZ finished on 250/8 at stumps. Jaydev Unadkat (39*) also extended his stay in the middle.
How did the day pan out?
Ajinkya Rahane-led West Zone lost their top three, including him, for just 16 runs after electing to bat. Sarfaraz Khan and Shreyas Iyer shared a 48-run stand to steady the ship. However, Sai Kishore uprooted the duo shortly. WZ were soon reduced to 101/6 before Patel added 63 runs with Atit Sheth. Patel then took WZ past 200 along with Unadkat.
A special knock by Het Patel
Middle-order batter Het Patel played a special knock on the opening day, bailing West Zone out. He remained watchful throughout the day, especially when WZ lost wickets in quick succession. Playing just his sixth First-Class game, Patel slammed his third half-century in the format. The right-handed batter returned unbeaten on 96. He faced 178 deliveries, having smashed 6 fours and 1 six.
Unadkat showcases resistance!
Tail-ender Unadkat exhibited his batting skills, forging an 83-run partnership with Patel. The former showcased his resistance as well, having faced 64 balls so far. He returned unbeaten on 39 (3 fours). He will look to stay unperturbed.
What about marquee Indian players?
West Zone skipper Ajinkya Rahane mustered eight runs off 16 deliveries. Rahane, who slammed a double-ton in the quarter-final against North East Zone, failed to continue his run. He is in pursuit of returning to India's Test set-up. His compatriot Shreyas Iyer scored a defiant 37 off 64 deliveries. Yashasvi Jaiswal managed a solitary run, while Sarfaraz Khan registered 34.
Sai Kishore was the standout bowler
As stated, Sai Kishore was the pick of South Zone's bowlers. He picked three wickets for just 80 runs in 32 overs. Meanwhile, Cheepurapalli Stephen and Basil Thampi snapped up a couple of wickets apiece. Krishnappa Gowtham chipped in with one wicket.
