East Zone vs South Zone, Duleep Trophy 2026 Final: East Zone secured the Duleep Trophy 2026 title on the basis of a commanding first-innings lead after their final against South Zone ended in a draw at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday. Captain Ishan Kishan led the way with a career-defining 270, while Md Kounain Quraishi struck an unbeaten century in the second innings as East Zone completed a comprehensive triumph.
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙒𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 🏆
Congratulations to the Ishan Kishan-led East Zone on winning their third #DuleepTrophy title 👏👏#EZvSZ | @ishankishan51 pic.twitter.com/u6D4UvOTEp
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) September 10, 2026
East Zone, who had not won the Duleep Trophy for 13 years, took control of the contest after posting a mammoth 708 in their first innings. South Zone were subsequently bowled out for 336, conceding a 372-run lead. East Zone then extended their advantage to 388/7 declared, with Quraishi unbeaten on 116, before the match was called off. The result handed East Zone the title on first-innings lead.
Kishan’s 270 Puts East Zone in Command
Kishan’s monumental first-innings knock was the defining performance of the final.
The East Zone skipper scored 270 off 334 deliveries, striking 30 fours and seven sixes during a marathon stay of 522 minutes at the crease. He initially retired hurt after reaching 250 due to cramps but returned to complete his double century.
Kishan’s innings provided the foundation for East Zone’s imposing total, with Abhimanyu Easwaran contributing 72 and Shikhar Mohan scoring 85. Kumar Kushagra then added further impetus with a composed 101 off 132 balls, including eight fours and five sixes.
East Zone were eventually dismissed for 708 in 163 overs.
🚨 Record Alert 🚨
East Zone Captain Ishan Kishan put on an absolute masterclass as he registered the most runs in a #DuleepTrophy match 👏👏 #EZvSZ | @ishankishan51 pic.twitter.com/QXRLzV2ecX
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) September 10, 2026
South Zone Struggle Against East Zone Attack
South Zone’s reply was built around captain Tilak Varma, who narrowly missed a century after scoring 99 off 211 balls.
Devdutt Padikkal made 62, while Chama V Milind scored 43, but South Zone struggled to construct partnerships against a disciplined East Zone bowling attack.
Mukesh Kumar claimed three wickets, while Mohammed Shami, Md Kounain Quraishi and Shikhar Mohan took two wickets apiece.
South Zone were bowled out for 336 in 107.3 overs, leaving East Zone with a decisive 372-run first-innings advantage.
Handshakes in the middle to conclude a fantastic Final 🤝
East Zone clinch the #DuleepTrophy 2026 title by virtue of first-innings lead 🏆#EZvSZ pic.twitter.com/4DJjNHkAHD
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) September 10, 2026
Quraishi Caps Title Win With Unbeaten Century
With the result effectively secured, East Zone continued to bat in their second innings and strengthened their position further.
Kishan added another 80, while Shikhar Mohan made 52 and Anukul Roy contributed 64. Quraishi, meanwhile, produced the innings of the closing phase, remaining unbeaten on 116 off 190 balls.
The batter struck 13 fours and four sixes and showed considerable composure during his unbeaten stay at the crease.
East Zone declared at 388/7 after 99.2 overs, ending any possibility of South Zone mounting a comeback.
Maiden FC ton in the #DuleepTrophy Final 💯
Enjoy the highlights of Md Kounain Quraishi’s superb 116*(190) 📽️#EZvSZ pic.twitter.com/Wk59px88Z8
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) September 10, 2026
East Zone End Long Wait for Duleep Trophy
The final result brought an end to East Zone’s 13-year wait for the Duleep Trophy.
Kishan finished the match with an extraordinary aggregate of 350 runs, following his 270 in the first innings with 80 in the second. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
The Jharkhand duo played key roles in East Zone’s title-winning campaign with Kumar Kushagra scoring a century and Shikhar Mohan making 85.
South Zone lost but Tilak Varma was named Player of the Series.
Kishan dedicated the title to the entire squad and said that it was the unity and team effort that made the difference throughout the campaign. In the meanwhile, Varma admitted that South Zone had been outplayed, especially after East Zone’s commanding first-innings total.
Finally after more than a decade, East Zone’s campaign ended on a decisive note in Chennai, led by their captain’s superlative double century and supported by contributions from the rest of the squad.
With the trophy finally secured after more than a decade, East Zone’s campaign ended with a decisive statement in Chennai — led by their captain’s extraordinary double century and backed by contributions across the squad.
