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Central Zone ended an 11-year wait by winning the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone. The victory came after some nervy moments on the final day of the match.

Central Zone initially controlled the Duleep Trophy final. South Zone faced a significant first-innings deficit. Ankit Sharma, R Smaran, and Andre Siddarth resisted strongly. They formed a crucial partnership. Kumar Kartikeya dismissed Ankit Sharma. South Zone set a target of 65 runs. The match is now headed to the final day. Central Zone's bowlers took wickets.

Yash Rathod scored a career-best 194 to help Central Zone take a commanding lead in the Duleep Trophy final. His innings helped Central Zone take a massive lead of 362 in the first innings.

Central Zone dominated the opening day of the Duleep Trophy final, dismissing South Zone for a mere 149. Spinners Saransh Jain (5/49) and Kumar Kartikeya (4/53) wreaked havoc, exploiting South's batting frailties. Central Zone's openers, Danish Malewar (28*) and Akshay Wadkar (20*), then built a solid foundation, reaching 50 without loss at stumps, reducing the deficit to 99.

The Duleep Trophy final features South Zone versus Central Zone. Star players are absent due to other commitments. This provides an opportunity for young talents to shine. Andre Siddarth and R Smaran are key players for South. Rajat Patidar and Danish Malewar are crucial for Central. The match is at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

India A are set to play three List A matches against Australia A and the TimesofIndia.com has learnt that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will not be forced to play in the series and their participation. If at all it happens, it will only happen if they need game time before the tour of Australia, where the Men in Blue will play three ODIs.

South Zone has announced their squad for the Duleep Trophy final against Central Zone, led by Mohammed Azharuddeen and Ricky Bhui. Andrew Siddarth and Smaran Ravichandran replace Jagadeesan and Padikkal, who are now with India A. South Zone aims to maintain their momentum, relying on Azharuddeen and Bhui to lead the batting against a strong Central Zone.