Bengaluru witnessed a batting masterclass on Thursday as Rajat Patidar produced a scintillating 80-ball century to put Central Zone in command against North East Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal at the BCCI CoE Ground 2.
The 32-year-old right-hander, known for his aggressive yet calculated approach, showcased his full range of strokes, smashing 18 fours and two sixes en route to his 14th first-class hundred. Walking in after opener Aryan Juyal (60* retired hurt) was forced to leave the field, Patidar immediately seized control of the innings, bringing up his half-century in just 42 deliveries.
Rajat Patidar started with a fiery style.
— SPORTS WorldZ 🏏 (@Cricket_World45) August 28, 2025
He smashed 125 runs in just 96 balls.
He is also captaining Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2025.#DuleepTrophy2025 #RajatPatidar #AsiaCup #CentralZone pic.twitter.com/0LcbIDDBx6
His knock was not only brisk but also laced with authority, as he punished anything loose while rotating strike smartly. Eventually, he was dismissed by Jotin Pheiroijam for a well-compiled 125, but by then, he had done enough to tilt the momentum heavily in Central Zone’s favor.
Adding to the batting fireworks, Danish Malewar also joined the party, scoring a determined 144-ball century to further consolidate their dominance on Day 1.
This edition of the Duleep Trophy has returned to a high-stakes knockout format, with Central Zone locking horns with North East Zone, while North Zone faces East Zone in the other quarterfinal. The winners will meet South Zone and West Zone, respectively, in what promises to be a thrilling semifinal stage.
Patidar’s blistering ton, however, has already set the tone for Central Zone, who now look well-placed to march deeper into the tournament.
