In the summit clash of the Duleep Trophy 2025, Central Zone spinner Kumar Kartikeya produced a stunning delivery to dismiss South Zone captain Mohammed Azharuddeen. Bowling on middle and leg stump, Kartikeya’s delivery turned sharply and crashed into the top of off stump, leaving Azharuddeen stunned and setting the tone for Central Zone’s dominance at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru.
Kumar Kartikeya and Saransh Jain break the backbone of South Zone batting unit
Opting to field first after winning the toss, Central Zone benefited early from Kartikeya’s left-arm spin and sharp turn. He claimed four crucial wickets – Mohd. Azharuddeen, opener Mohit Kale, Smaran Ravichandran and Gurjapneet Singh – dismantling South Zone’s top and middle order.
I.C.Y.M.I
An absolute Beauty 😮
Kumar Kartikeya produced a cracker to dismiss South Zone captain Mohd. Azharuddeen 👌
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/unz0hJ5yJ6#DuleepTrophy | #Final | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/vYFUUUeX4q
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) September 11, 2025
Nothing but pressure rained down as Sransh Jain, another left-arm spinner from Central Zone, joined the party. Weekly breakthroughs came when he removed Ricky Bhui, Salman Nizar, Ankit Sharma, Andre Siddarth and Nidheesh further deepening South Zone’s predicament and placing Central Zone in a commanding position.
South Zone got all out for a paltry 150 in their first innings.
South Zone and Central Zone: Road to the Duleep Trophy 2025 final
South Zone, led by Azharuddeen, had shown resilience in their semifinal, overcoming North Zone thanks to a commanding first-innings lead of 175 runs – enough to reach the final despite the match ending in a draw.
Central Zone likewise paved their way to the final with a first-innings lead over West Zone, giving them momentum and confidence to deploy their bowling assault.
Central Zone’s decision to field first has already paid dividends. Their spin-heavy attack, led by Kartikeya and supported by Jain, framed a collapse that South Zone failed to counter. With the ball spinning sharply on Bengaluru’s surface, these bowlers exploited the conditions expertly. Azharuddeen’s dismissal was symbolic of Central Zone’s clever tactics.
