Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Sep 7: East Zone captain Ishan Kishan smashed a stunning double century in the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium here, achieving a significant milestone in the red-ball tournament.
Kishan became only the third East Zone batter to score a double century in the Duleep Trophy, joining Arun Lal and Saba Karim. He is also the first East Zone batter to hit a double hundred in a Duleep Trophy final.
Arun Lal had previously scored two double centuries for East Zone, making 287 and 214, while Saba Karim remained unbeaten on 200 in 1995.
Kishan reached his double century in just 270 balls, hitting 26 fours and two sixes. He brought up the milestone on Day 2 by driving Devdutt Padikkal through the covers for a boundary.
The left-hander continued his assault and raced to 250 before fatigue forced him to retire hurt.
Resuming Day 2 on his overnight unbeaten 111, Kishan took the South Zone attack apart and produced a commanding innings that could strengthen his case for the Test wicketkeeper’s role.
He also shared a 230-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Kumar Kushagra. By the time Kishan retired hurt, East Zone had amassed 611/5, leaving the South Zone bowlers facing an extended spell in the field.
Kishan celebrated his landmark knock with arms aloft as East Zone continued to pile on the runs in Chennai.