Shahbaz Ahmed Stars as East Zone Dominates North East Zone in Duleep Trophy Quarter-Final

The all-rounder’s career-best 167 and a clinical bowling performance have placed East Zone on the brink of a massive victory, with North East Zone left staring at an innings defeat.

East Zone showcased their superiority on the second day of the Duleep Trophy quarter-final, as out-of-favour India all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed produced a masterclass that pushed the opposition to the wall. After posting a formidable total of 467 in their first innings, East Zone’s bowlers dismantled the North East Zone lineup, enforcing a follow-on that has left the minnows trailing by 349 runs heading into the third day.

Shahbaz Ahmed Leads the Charge

Resuming his overnight score of 100, Shahbaz Ahmed displayed immense composure and power. He anchored the East Zone innings, eventually finishing with a career-best first-class score of 167 off 244 deliveries. His knock was a calculated display of aggression, featuring 17 boundaries and four towering sixes.

The middle-order resistance was further bolstered by Anukul Roy, who contributed 37 runs in a crucial 103-run partnership for the seventh wicket. By the time Shahbaz was dismissed as the last man out, East Zone had already put themselves in a position of total command.

A Rapid Bowling Collapse

North East Zone’s response was short-lived. Despite a promising start that saw them reach 72 for 2, the team suffered a catastrophic collapse, losing their final eight wickets for a mere 39 runs. They were bundled out for just 111, falling significantly short of the required total to avoid the follow-on.

The architect of this collapse was Tripura medium-pacer Abhijit Sarkar, who wreaked havoc with figures of 5 for 20 in 9.5 overs. His unique open-chested action, which allowed him to consistently bring the ball in, proved too much for the North East batting order. Notably, wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan stood up to the stumps to combat the movement, further pressuring the batters. Shahbaz Ahmed proved his all-round utility, switching roles to pick up 3 for 20 with his orthodox left-arm spin.

The Road Ahead

With six North East batters failing to reach double figures—including three who recorded ducks—the gulf in class between the two sides was glaring. Following the follow-on, North East finished the day at 7 for no loss.

While they fight to survive, the math remains daunting: they still need 349 runs just to make East Zone bat again. Barring any interference from the weather, the match is heavily expected to conclude early on the third day, with East Zone firmly on track to secure a clinical victory.