In a thrilling display of skill and patience, Central Zone batter Yash Rathod fell just six runs short of a memorable double century in the Duleep Trophy 2025 Final against the South Zone in Bengaluru. Yash Rathod crafted an incredible innings filled with smart shot selection and calm temperament.
He scored a career-best 194 runs off 286 runs with the help of 17 boundaries and two sixes. During his stay at the crease, the left-handed batter built two massive partnerships—167runs with Rajat Patidar and 176 runs with Saransh Jain—helping his team to post 511 runs on the board.
Yash Rathod misses a double century by inches in the Duleep Trophy 2025 Final
Rathod’s incredible innings came to an end just 6 runs short of a historic double century in the second session of Day 3. The Central Zone batter tried to block an in-slanting length delivery of Gurjapneet Singh, but left a small gap between his bat and pad in Bengaluru.
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The ball cleverly slipped through and smashed into the off-stump, leaving the batter stunned. Rathod, visibly disappointed, shook his head as he walked off the field to a standing ovation from fans and teammates in the Duleep Trophy 2025.
Yash Rathod sets new Duleep Trophy record
His 194-run knock is now the highest individual score ever for the Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy final history. Rathod finished as the top scorer in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. The Vidarbha batter amassed a massive 960 runs in 10 matches and 18 innings at an impressive average of 53.33.
Recently, the left-handed batter had scored unbeaten 87 and 78 against the Northeast Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2025 quarterfinal. Over 21 first-class games, he has amassed 1,866 runs at an average above 50, including seven centuries and eight fifties to his name.
Meanwhile, the Central Zone delivered a stunning display with the bat after completely dominating the South Zone with the ball, as they were bowled out for just 149 runs. Rajat Patidar and Yash Rathod made the headlines with their sensational centuries in the final.
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Central Zone vs South Zone Final
With Central Zone taking a massive 362-run lead, South Zone now faces an uphill battle. They had a good start, but yet again, the Central Zone bowlers made the batters’ lives tough. The South Zone has already lost three wickets for 100 runs, with the Central Zone aiming to avoid batting in the second innings and lift the Duleep Trophy in Bengaluru.
Notably, fans are not allowed to watch the final. Patidar and Rathod’s stunning performance in the red-ball tournament has certainly boosted their chance for the India selection as they prepare to pick the squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies at home.
Presently, the Indian cricket team is gearing up to face Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday in Dubai after thrashing the UAE by nine wickets in their tournament opener.
