Ankit Sharma (99, 168b, 13×4, 1×6) and Andre Siddarth (84 n.o., 190b, 7×4) nearly scripted an incredible comeback for South Zone, but a spate of late wickets allowed Central Zone to keep a firm grip on proceedings.

On the fourth day of the Duleep Trophy summit clash at the BCCI CoE Ground (1), Ankit and Siddarth batted for nearly four hours to create panic in the Central camp. From facing an innings defeat at 222 for six, Ankit and Siddarth provided dogged resistance for 55 overs, handing South an improbable lead of 52 runs.

It all changed when Ankit was dismissed. After blocking a couple of deliveries from left-arm spinner Kumar Kartikeya, Ankit lost the plot and spooned a flighted ball to mid-wicket.

Central’s long wait for a wicket ended, and a few overs later, South was dismissed for 426.

On Monday, Central has the easy task of knocking off the 65-run target.

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South’s hopes of claiming a draw, or even fighting for a win, were raised when Ankit and Siddarth put on a 192-run seventh-wicket stand.

Ankit, who made his senior debut for Madhya Pradesh but now plies his trade for Pondicherry, showed positive intent.

Tamil Nadu teenager Siddarth, just a year into his First Class career, put his head down and shut shop. With a cool mind and relaxed demeanour, the youngster looked completely at ease in a tough setting.

As the hours went by, the Central team slowly began to lose belief. Captain Rajat Patidar went on the defensive, spreading the field and inviting the easy singles.

Siddarth and Ankit made up for the damage done in the morning session. R. Smaran (67), Ricky Bhui (45), Mohammed Azharuddeen (27) and Salman Nizar (12) all threw away their wickets to give Central the upper hand.

Smaran, in particular, would be disappointed to have fallen trying to force the pace, sweeping a delivery from outside off stump to the hands of deep square-leg.

Published on Sep 14, 2025