North East Zone captain Rongsen Jonathan and teammate Jehu Anderson anchored the second innings with crucial knocks to secure a draw against Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy.
Dimapur, September 1 (MExN): The North East Zone cricket team battled to a memorable draw against a formidable Central Zone side in the Duleep Trophy quarter-final, showcasing grit and determination in the face of a challenging target and a lineup filled with international players.
Central Zone, considered one of the tournament favourites, had earlier posted a massive 532 for 4 declared in their first innings, powered by a double century from Danish Malewar who scored 203 off 222 balls. Their side included Indian internationals Kuldeep Yadav and Deepak Chahar, along with IPL player Harsh Dubey. After bowling out North East Zone for 185 in their first innings, Central enforced the follow-on and later declared their second innings at 331 for 7, setting up a near-impossible chase.
In response, North East Zone found resilience in their second innings. Captain Jonathan Rongsen of Nagaland scored 60 runs while Jehu Anderson of Mizoram top-scored with 64. Their efforts anchored the innings, helping the team finish at 200 for 6 at stumps and secure a hard-fought draw.
The Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA) extended congratulations to the entire North East Zone team for their performance. “This result speaks volumes about the shape of cricket in the North East. It is a proud moment for the entire region,” said Hyunilo Anilo Khing, Hon. Secretary of the NCA. “To compete with such courage against a team of that caliber shows the immense talent and fighting spirit of our players. We believe that with sustained focus and development, the North East Zone will continue this momentum and achieve even greater heights in the years to come.”
In the first innings, Central Zone scored 532 for 4 declared in 102 overs, with Danish Malewar’s double century being the highlight. North East bowlers toiled hard, with Akash Kumar returning figures of 2 for 103 in 23 overs. In reply, North East Zone managed 185 all out in 69.3 overs. Karnajit Y scored a spirited 48 off 77 balls but regular wickets stalled momentum.
Central Zone extended their lead in the second innings with 331 for 7 declared in 80.3 overs. Shubham Sharma scored 122 off 215 balls. For North East, Akash Kumar took 2 for 44 and Bishworjit claimed 2 for 67.
Chasing a daunting task in their second innings, North East Zone finished at 200 for 6 in 58 overs. Jehu Anderson made 64 off 96 balls while Rongsen Jonathan added 60 off 97, holding firm against the Central attack to secure the draw.
Key performances for North East Zone included Jehu Anderson’s 64 in the second innings, Rongsen Jonathan’s 60 in the second innings, Karnajit Y’s 48 in the first innings, Akash Kumar’s combined four wickets across both innings, and Bishworjit’s 2 for 67 in the second innings.
