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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Shines as East Zone Captures Central Zone in Duleep Trophy Semifinal

In a thrilling Duleep Trophy semifinal, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi took charge as captain for East Zone, leading them to dismiss Central Zone for 266 runs. With standout performances from bowlers Mukesh Kumar and Abhijit Sarkar, East Zone showcased their dominance. Sooryavanshi's quick thinking with the Decision Review System also played a crucial role in securing a vital wicket. Read on to discover how this young talent is making waves in the cricketing world.
By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 31, 2026, 10:57 IST

East Zone Dominates Central Zone in Duleep Trophy Semifinal

In an impressive display, 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi temporarily took over the captaincy from Ishan Kishan as East Zone bowled out Central Zone for 266 runs on the first day of the Duleep Trophy semifinal held on Sunday.


Fast bowler Mukesh Kumar and medium pacer Abhijit Sarkar each claimed three wickets, helping to dismiss Central Zone in just 80.1 overs.


Choosing to bowl first after winning the toss proved to be a wise decision for East Zone's captain Ishan Kishan. Mukesh (3/56) and Sarkar (3/38) combined for six wickets, while Mohammed Shami (2/42) and off-spinner Md Kounain Quraishi (2/49) contributed with two wickets each, effectively wrapping up Central Zone's innings.


During the morning session, Kishan had to leave the field after sustaining a wrist injury. Sooryavanshi stepped in as captain for about an hour around lunch while Kishan received treatment but later returned to lead the team.


While captaining, Sooryavanshi made a pivotal decision to utilize the Decision Review System (DRS), which resulted in a key wicket for East Zone.


In the 40th over, opener and wicketkeeper Aryan Juyal, who was on 46, edged a delivery from Mukesh. The East Zone players appealed for a caught behind, but the on-field umpire turned it down. Trusting his instincts, Sooryavanshi opted for the DRS, which revealed a slight spike on the UltraEdge, confirming Juyal's dismissal.